Camellia japonica

Camellia japonica are coming into full swing now. They have slightly larger leaves and flowers than the Camellia sasanqua. They flower from autumn into winter and a few will continue into spring.

* They need regular watering throughout summer.
* Fertilise after flowering.
* A thick layer of mulch and usually prefer dappled shade.
* Prune every lightly after flowering to keep compact.

Many of the lighter flower shades get burnt if they get too much sun. In pots, they prefer shallow wide pots than taller types due to their shallow root structure.

Pests and Diseases:

They are susceptible to scale, mites and drought. Prevent this by spraying with PestOil and water regularly with a seaweed solutution. Natrasoap will control ribbed tea mites, which cause the bronze scorch (that often looks like sunburn) discolouration in the centre on each leaf, which moves from the central vein outwards.

Varieties:

'Lovelight' - white with prominent golden stamens.
'Waterlily' - formal double with lilac pink tinge on the outer petals.
'Desire' white formal double with pink edge.
'Midnight' a rich blood red.
'Blood of China' - deep blood red with prominent stamens'.
'Lady Loch' - ruffled shell pink.
'Margaret Davis' - pink and white speckle.
'Bob Hope' - red.
'Nuccios Pearl' formal double with soft pink edge.
'Brushfields Yellow' tight ruffled pale yellow to cream.

Available at most nurseries. Call Camellia Grove Nursery for a catalogue of their large selection on (02) 9652 1200