Our Plant of the Moment

Camellia

The Camellia is a beautiful, early flowering shrub that brings colour to the garden when few other plants are in bloom. With its elegant glossy green leaves and stunning flowers ,it’s a favourite among gardeners looking for a low maintenance yet striking addition to their outdoor space.

Soil - Camellias require acidic soil to thrive, if your garden is neutral or alkaline, consider growing them in a container with ericaceous compost.

Light and Shelter - Best suited to semi shade, camellias appreciate sheltered locations that  protect them from harsh winds and early morning sun, which can damage frost covered buds.

Watering - Newly planted camellias should be watered regularly ,especially in dry periods ,to establish strong roots.

Feeding - Use an ericaceous feed during the growing season, but stop feeding after July to prevent bud drop.

Pruning and Maintenance - Camellias require little pruning, but they can be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain shape.

If heavy pruning is needed, it should be done in March, though this will likely result in no flowers for the subsequent  2 years

Flowers and colours - Camellias bloom in early Spring ,offering a display of white, various shades of pink, red and even yellow flowers. Their long lasting blooms make them a standout feature in any garden.

Growing Options -In the ground-Perfect for a garden bed with acidic well- draining soil. In containers-Ideal for those with unsuitable soil-just use ericaceous compost and keep up with regular feeding and watering.

With the right care ,Camellias will reward you with their fabulous Spring flowers year after year