Camellia azalea
An evergreen shrub or small tree to 4m high, with long, oval, leathery dark green leaves that are pale green underneath. Produces single red flowers, 8-10cm across, with petals notched at the tips. This half-hardy species is unusual in producing its flowers, singly and in clusters of up to 5, over a long period from early summer well into autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Theaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Camellia are evergreen shrubs with simple, ovate, glossy, leathery leaves and showy flowers with solitary or clustered flowers early in the year
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. May be grown outdoors in frost-free areas, or in a conservatory or large container that can be moved indoors in winter. Position in full sun or light shade, and shelter from cold, dry winds. Though this species is not currently widely grown, it is the subject of much research into the production of summer flowering camellias, and has been recorded flowering well into winter in ideal conditions. See camellia cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by grafting in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pruning group 8 (evergreens), after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, and camellia yellow mottle virus. Flowers may be infected by camellia petal blight
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