Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Pink Red White | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Theaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, acid soil in sheltered shade. Protect buds & flowers from cold, dry winds and early morning sun. Feed in mid-spring and early summer with a sequestered iron fertiliser. If container grown, use ericaceous compost. Suitable for wall training.
Propagation
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8. Best left unpruned except for removal of unsightly shoots and deadheading, unless some shaping is required, and if so, as it is early flowering, carry out carry out thereafter.
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, aphids and vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to camellia gall and camellia petal blight
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.