A vigorous old Australian japonica producing large rose-red semi-double flowers over a long mid-winter to spring season. Tall and reliable, it is excellent for shaded hedging and screening.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Great Eastern Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Great Eastern' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Theaceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Great Eastern Camellia
Great Eastern Camellia suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Great Eastern Camellia does best in acidic and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Great Eastern Camellia does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Great Eastern 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. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Great Eastern Camellia in the garden
Great Eastern Camellia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and cut flowers for the vase. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Great Eastern Camellia sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Great Eastern Camellia
Plant Sale lists Great Eastern Camellia as potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
