Camellias
Evergreen shrubs with dark glossy leaves and pretty formal flowers in whites, creams, pinks and reds.
We grow a small range to complement our Rhododendrons, and they like similar soil conditions. Camellias have a much stronger and deeper root system, but some varieties can be prone to frost damage during the winter.
Camellia japonica or Camellia x williamsii?
There are more flower colour, size and shape options with the Camellia japonica’s.
Camellia Japonica’s will put up with a slightly colder temperature in the winter but love a long warm summer to help set flower buds. Camellia x williamsii do better in a slightly cooler summer garden and don’t require as much direct sunlight to help with flower bud set. It does pay to make sure that all their roots are well protected from frosts. A good mulch of leaf mould in the autumn is always really beneficial.