Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White Red | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Theaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. Position in light shade, and shelter from cold, dry winds and early morning sun, as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds and late frosts. See camellia cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, or by grafting in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8 (evergreens), after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevils
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
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.