Camellia grow in most conditions but in the Summer (hot months) you have to keep the roots moist if you dont want bud drop in the Spring, they also like acid soil so are best planted in ericacous compost.

In your area, I would also look for hardier kinds, such as "Snow Camellias" (Camellia japonica rusticana), some of the Sasanquas, and a few hardy hybrids, such as 'Crimson Candles'.