One of the earliest shrubs to flower, the Camellia is a beautiful addition to many gardens with big blousey vivid flowers of various shades of pinks through to reds and glossy evergreen leaves ……
Camellias require some shelter and part shade, although if tended carefully some will thrive in more sunny conditions. However beware – as if planted in a North Easterly facing position particularly young plants can be scorched from the early morning sun. Although most Camellias are hardy they can be sensitive to poor conditions when trying to establish, so it may be wise to wrap young specimens when poor weather is forecast.
Being woodland plants a Camellia needs acidic soil, although some smaller varieties will sit comfy in a large pot, planted up with ericaceous compost. For this reason too, its probably best to water with rain water rather than tap – although anything is better than no water at all. If your Camellia has yellowing leaves look initially at your soil type as this generally indicates nutrition deficiencies.
Most Camellias will grow in a nice rounded shape but if pruning is required then this should be carried out in the Spring, as soon as the flowers are spent. Buds for the following year will begin to develop over the summer months so pruning anytime after the Spring can have a severe effect on numbers of future blooms the following Winter/Spring. Camellias respond well though to a prune if done at the correct time.
Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’
The picture above is of Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’ AGM from my garden. Because there was loads of rain last summer in the North West and a calmer winter than the last two, the buds have been allowed to develop well and it has been covered this year with amazing flowers since February. It is well on its way to achieving its maximum height of 5m and spread of 2.5m.
