Charming Camellias

As trees, shrubs, hedges and pots, camellias bring colour, structure and grace to gardens through the cooler months and beyond.

No matter how they are grown, these versatile shrubs deliver muchneeded colour during the cooler months and can be adapted to many styles from informal shrubs to formal hedges; as a garden specimen or forest planting; or as container plants from tubs to bonsai on a shady courtyard or specialty display.

HOW TO GROW

• CLIMATE: Most camellias prefer a cool to temperate climate typically found in elevated areas with deeper soils, often outside of major capital cities. A few, such as Camellia nitidissima, from southern China and Vietnam, are tropical in origins and suit sub-tropical to moist tropical regions. Reticulata and higo camellias grow best in cool, elevated regions with good rainfall.

• ASPECT: Sasanqua camellias grow well in full sun but japonica camellias prefer a part-shaded position and cooler conditions as do reticulatas and higos. Morning sun and dew can damage blooms as can strong afternoon sun so try to find a semi-shaded, happy medium.

• SOIL: Camellias need acid conditions and a humus-rich soil. If you live in South Australia and most of Western Australia with alkaline soils, container growing is the solution.

• FERTILISER: Feed camellias with a specialised camellia fertiliser in early spring and late summer to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Always water well after applying. Mulch with compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• WATER: Camellias need well-drained, consistent moisture, especially as they establish during the first couple of years.

• PESTS AND DISEASES: While not frequent, common pests include aphids, scale insects and tea mites. Treat infestations with horticultural oil and insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases, like petal blight and root rot, can be managed by proper spacing, well-drained soil and fungicidal treatments.

• MAINTENANCE: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Complete final hedge trimming of sasanquas, no later than mid-summer before next season's buds from.

LANDSCAPING WITH CAMELLIAS

Camellias bring structure, colour and timeless elegance to gardens of all styles. Here’s how to make the most of them.

• Use camellias as a focal point: Plant in a prominent spot where their showy blooms command attention. Winterblooming camellias provide a delightful highlight when flowers are scarce.

• Hedge or Screen: Camellias form a dense hedge or screen with a spacing of about 1.2–1.8m apart. Sasanquas are recommended as they're hardy and fast growing, whereas japonicas are slower.

• Container Gardening: Camellias grow well in pots on patios, balconies or along paths. Pot up into a tub only slightly larger than the nursery root ball. As the plant grows, it can be repotted into a larger pot using a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Plants in containers need more frequent watering, especially during warm spells.

• Espalier: Sasanquas are naturally pliable and lend themselves to espalier against walls or fences, especially handy in smaller gardens.

As sasanqua camellia flowers fall, they create a vibrant carpet of colour in youre garden - just more of their beauty.

 

TYPES OF CAMELLIAS

1. Reticulata (Camellia reticulata)

The most glamorous camellia, with large, striking blooms, reticulatas prefer elevated, cooler climates like those found in montane areas and around Sydney’s North Shore.





 

2. Miniature

The most subtle of camellia, with small, sometimes fragrant flowers and delicate foliage, the miniatures include dwarf sasanquas and japonicas like ‘Shishi-gashira’ and ‘Baby Bear’, as well as compact species such as Camellia lutchuensis and C. transnokoensis suited to containers or borders.

3. Sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)

The most versatile camellia, ideal for hedging, screens, containers and bonsai, sansanquas tolerate more sun than japonica and flowers in autumn. Often fragrant and nectar-rich, they're excellent for attracting native birds.

4. Japonica (Camellia japonica)

The most well-known camellia, with large, showy flowers in red, white or pink, blooms vary in form from formal doubles to singles and appear from winter to early spring. They're best in cooler climates, when flowering times are classified as early, mid or late season. Excellent as cut flowers.







 

5. Higo

The most elegant camellia, valued for its simple, open flowers with golden stamens, these Japanese camellias also prefer cooler conditions.