Cultivated varieties are often classified into 3 major categories and 12 flower forms based on the degree of petaloid transformation of the stamens, the natural increase in petals and the evolution of the pistils, and the petaloid transformation of the sepals:

1. Single-petal class

Petals 5-7, arranged in 1-2 whorls, base fused, pistils and stamens fully developed, capable of bearing fruit. Contains only one form, the Single-petal type, such as 'Bright Leaf Golden Heart', 'Osmanthus Leaf Golden Heart', etc.

2. Semi-double-petal class

Petals 20-50, arranged in 3-5 whorls, pistils and stamens partially petaloid to varying degrees, occasionally capable of bearing fruit. Contains 4 forms: the Semi-curved petal type such as 'White Brocade Ball'; the Pentagram type such as 'Oriental Tea'; the Lotus type such as 'Ten Sceneries'; and the Pinecone type such as 'Large Pine Seed'.

3. Double-petal class

Petals over 50, most stamens petaloid, petals increase naturally, usually does not bear fruit. This is the category with the largest number of ornamental camellias. Contains 7 forms: the Anemone type such as 'Whole Plate Lychee'; the Chrysanthemum type such as 'Pomegranate Red'; the Hibiscus type such as 'Red Hibiscus'; the Crown type such as 'Flower Buddha Tripod'; the Hydrangea type such as 'Big Red Ball'; the Radiant type such as 'Big Red Hexagon'; and the Rose type such as 'Small Peach Red'.