This time I have chosen a shrub that will probably be familiar to everyone. The camellia is a shrub with blooms from white to burgundy and with heads that can be single, double or ruffled. (A selection is available at both of Stewarts Garden Centres.Originally from China and Japan it thrives particularly well in southern England. However, unless it is east facing, it is suitable for most gardens and a great choice if you like the look of rhododendrons as it is also evergreen and flowers profusely from March to May. (Often earlier from personal experience.)
I asked our Garden Designer Sue, how often she uses Camellias in her Landscaping Designs. She said they are great in slightly woody areas with dappled sun and shade, in a Japanese themed garden and as a focal point to start from as a structural plant in a design.
Things to note:
· Prefers acid soils, likes a bit of shade but also happy in full sun.
· Easy to grow, but can suffer frost and cold damage especially if east facing. (White is most susceptible) They don't like early morning sun when it is frosty as the blooms defrost too quickly and can drop off.
· As well as growing them in the garden border they are also suitable to grow in pots.
· Can spread up to 6-8ft if allowed.
· Prune if necessary straight after flowering finishes. Cut off any damaged branches.
If you need some year round greenery and a fantastic show of the great blousy flowers this shrub offers, a Camellia certainly meets the criteria.
