Growing Camellias in Your Garden or on a Patio
Evergreen Bushes with Glossy Green Leaves and Bold Waxy Flowers
May 25, 2009
The camellia is an astonishing plant to find in the garden in late winter and early spring, with splendid waxy cups or saucers of flower up to 5 inches across in sumptuous tones from gleaming white and gold, to softest pink and blazing red. The glossy, bright green, evergreen leaves are another huge bonus in mid-winter, and an attractive backdrop for other flowers later in the year.
They are fairly slow growing and many species and varieties are particularly suitable for growing in a patio container.
They withstand frost well, provided that the morning sun does not fall on the frosted flower buds. They also dislike a chalky soil but are otherwise hardy and easy to grow.
Cultivation
- Camellias prefer light shade, or at least shelter from the morning sun. A south west, west or north facing aspect is ideal.
- They also prefer a reasonably well drained and slightly acid soil, but are far less demanding than rhododendrons or azaleas and will accept neutral soil conditions quite happily.
- When planting camellias, dig in plenty of peat or leaf mould, and feed annually with an ericaceous fertiliser.
- For container planting, use ericaceous compost.
- Yellowing leaves are an indication that the soil is too alkaline. Top dress with ammonium sulphate or feed with sequestrene.
Pruning
Little pruning should be necessary. Tidy up or remove any weak growth as necessary after flowering, but avoid heavy pruning.
Species and Varieties
Originating in Northern India, Japan and China, the camellia was introduced to this country in the early 18th century, and has remained popular ever since. Over 200 different species have been identified in the wild, but from this huge range, here are half a dozen of the more popular hardy cultivated forms:
- Camellia japonica Adolphe Audusson. Large (3-4 inch) blood red semi double flowers from mid to late spring. Height and spread 10 feet by 7 feet. Reliable and easy to grow.
- Camellia japonica Lady Vansittart. Magnificent white semi double flowers stained with pink from mid to late spring. Twisted, holly-like leaves. Compact upright habit. Height and spread 10 ft x 7 ft.
- Camellia Reticulata Inspiration. Lots of phlox pink semi double flowers up to3 ½ inches across from early to late spring. Upright habit. Height and spread 10 feet x 8 feet.
- Camellia x Williamsii Anticipation. Lots of paeony shaped deep rose pink flowers from early to late spring. Height and spread 6 feet x 4 feet. Ideal for growing in a container or small garden.
- Camellia x Williamsii Donation. Lots of beautiful semi-double, orchid pink flowers with darker veins from late winter to early summer. Very easy to grow and floriferous, and with a very long flowering season. . Height and spread 10 feet x 8 feet.
- Camellia x williamsii Mary Phoebe Taylor. Huge (to 5 inches) pink paeony shaped flowers from early to late spring. Upright, slightly open habit. Height and spread 10 ft x 7 ft.
Other Similar Garden Plants
Other ornamental flowering plants for neutral to acid soil include azaleas and rhododendrons.
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