PLANT OF THE MONTH: Camellia
Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees, best known for their glossy, deep green leaves and exquisitely formed flowers.
Flowering in the cooler months, when a lot of the garden is still asleep, their magnificent blooms can range from simple, single petaled forms to lush, rose like doubles, appearing in shades of white, blush pink, coral, and deep crimson.
Camellias carry a rich cultural history. Originating from eastern and southern Asia. They have been cultivated for centuries in countries like Japan and China, where they symbolise admiration, perfection, and longevity. Camellias became popular in Western gardens in the 18th and 19th centuries, often associated with elegance and refinement.
Don't be alarmed if the flowers are falling from your camellia! Their blooms don’t last forever on the plant and many fall intact, creating a soft carpet beneath the shrub. This only adds to their charm, reminding us to pause and enjoy them while they’re here.
Whether planted as a statement shrub, trained against a wall, or grown in a container on a patio, camellias bring structure, colour, and a sense of calm to any space, and of course, that all important year round interest with their beautiful evergreen foliage!
Likes:
Camellias thrive in moist, well drained, acidic soil. Watering, especially in dry spells to keep a consistent level of moisture is very important to help with bud formation and to prevent bud drop. They love a partially shaded spot in the garden.
Dislikes:
Position your camellia away from harsh winds and strong morning sunlight as this can damage the flowers. They hate having waterlogged roots, so make sure that there is adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Maintenance and Care:
Feed with an ericaceuous plant feed in Spring and again early in the Summer to support healthy leaves and the formation of next years buds.
Use ericaceous compost if growing in containers.
Very little pruning is needed, just trim lightly after flowering to remove any dead or weak branches.
We have many varieties in stock including; 'Volunteer', 'Blanca, 'Jury's Yellow' and '1001 Summer Nights'.
Come by our garden centre this month to see them in full bloom!
