Glossy evergreen leaves and sumptuous winter blooms make this the classic shade shrub for cool, sheltered, acidic gardens. Slow but long-lived and beautiful in flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m tall
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Camellia
Botanically, Camellia japonica is a slow-growing shrub in the Theaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink, red and white flowers appear in winter and autumn.
Where to grow Camellia
Camellia suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Camellia does best in acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Camellia does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Camellia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Camellia in the garden
Camellia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Camellia with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
