| The
Camellia
By Reg Maxwell
April
2009
 Camellias
belong to the family Theaceae in which there
are some 250 species of evergreen shrubs and
trees.
The most important is camellia sinensis the
Tea plant which provides those millions of daily
cuppas.
The
camellia enjoys a special place in the garden
for its showy flowers backed by the glossy evergreen
foliage so prominent in early spring. They are
a semi-woodland plant and thrive in moist leaf
mould type soils.
Camellias dislike cold wet clays or dry lime
soils. Avoid frost pockets and east facing locations
as the early morning sun on frosted flowers
will cause them to brown.
Care should be taken when planting to prepare
the ground well. Ensure the hole is two or three
times larger than the root ball of the plant,
break up the sub soil, work in plenty of organic
matter such as well rotted leaf mould or ericaceous
type compost and if the surrounding ground is
heavy create drainage from the planting site
to prevent it becoming a sump for water.
Camellias benefit from an annual top dressing
of compost as listed above, over the root zone
but never piled against the stem.
To prevent or reduce bud drop water in the growing
season immediately after flowering, during mid
summer if exceptionally dry periods and in early
spring when we experience dry spells before
bud burst. Spring dry periods have been experienced
locally these last few years.
Plant growth may be improved with the occasional
feed at the growing period and in mid summer.
Feed on moist ground using an ericaceous feed.
Pruning
is only really required to maintain the shape
of the bush or to remove damaged branches.
Camellias
make fine pot plants for the cold conservatory,
porch or patio. It is most rewarding to have
a collection of plants in full flower in the
depth of winter under glass. However there are
a few rules to observe:
Never over water or allow to
dry out, re-pot regularly just after flowering,
feed, prune to maintain a good shape which usually
means cutting back straggly growths and never
stand them on a hot patio to bake in the sun.
Camellias
are good companion plants and look well under
birch or Acer along with Azara microphylla,
Corylopsis, Magnolia, azalea and with an under
planting of spring bulbs a colourful spring
garden is soon created.
They come in so many shades of white, pink,
reds and there is the odd yellow.
A few favourites are C. sasanqua with the white
flowers coming in autumn and winter.
 C.
‘Cornish Snow’ has single white
flowers in mi-winter.
C. x williamsii group give excellent flowering:
‘Donation semi-double pink
‘Anticipation’
peony flowered crimson
‘Brigadoon’ semi-double rose pink
‘J C Williams’ single, a blush pink
with contrasting yellow stamens.
C.
saluenensis has single flowers from white to
pink which are borne in early spring. It can
make an open growing shrub that may require
some pruning for shape.
 C.
‘Inspiration’ is another fine plant
foe flowers which are deep pink.
Lastly in this little collection is C. japonica
‘Adolphe Audusson’ a semi-double
red.
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