Pretty in pink Spread the cheer in your garden with camellias
ADD A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE TO YOUR GARDEN WITH THESE PERFECTLY EXQUISITE BLOOMS
Few flowering shrubs can evoke the feelings of awe and wonder in us quite like camellias. The highly ornamental blooms, with perfectly arranged petals, flower prodigiously from autumn, breathing life into what can sometimes be a gloomy garden. And when the plant is not in flower, the handsome, evergreen foliage lends itself beautifully to landscape. Allow yourself to fall under the spell and discover their colourful splendour.
CAMELLIA DREAMING
If you were to choose one flowering shrub in your garden, make it a camellia. Their exquisite blooms are available in an extraordinary range of forms, including single, semi-double, semi-formal, formal, formal-double, peony, and anemone forms, which can vary in size from miniature to large. You’ll find them in shades of red, pink and white, or often a combination of colours, and despite their showy nature, they’re fairly low maintenance once established. Collectively known as camellias, there are many different species, with Camellia sasanqua and Camellia japonica (‘Margherita Coleoni’ opposite), being the most common. They mostly thrive in shady areas, and the shiny green foliage brings dark corners to life. According to landscape director Paula Benneian of POD gardens, there’s one to suit every garden situation, too. “Camellias range from groundcovers through to large shrubs, so whether you’re after something low or a feature piece, they have you covered,” she says.
GARDEN GOALS
Camellias will suit any garden scheme, but seamlessly incorporating them into the landscape depends on what you are trying to achieve in your space, says urban horticulture expert Matthew Gerakios of Phyton Australia. Are you trying to screen an area, create focal points or simply brighten up a shady space? “Larger varieties of japonica camellias can form a gorgeous evergreen backdrop to the garden and grow into a near impenetrable hedge to screen an ugly fence, while smaller varieties can be used as attractive understorey plantings,” explains Matt. “Survey the garden, note potential planting spots and avoid crowding out with plants of a similar height range.” It’s also important to take into consideration how much space you have and the aspect, advises Paula. “Not all camellias are the same as they range in height and aspect requirements,” she says. “For full sun, go for sasanquas or if you’re looking for a groundcover, try Marge Miller.”
TOP LEFT: Soft, blush pink camellias are a romantic addition to the garden. For similar, try ‘C.M. Wilson’ or ‘Mignonne’. Pick flowers and float them in a bowl of water to continue their magic indoors. BELOW LEFT: While beautiful as a single feature planting, camellias are absolutely charming when planted amongst foliage plants in the garden. Here, Camellia ‘Lasca Beauty’ and Camellia ‘Vega’ soften the architectural form of dracaena to create a beautiful scene. OPPOSITE: One of the true delights of camellias is the enchanting carpet of fallen petals around the shrub. Feeling inspired? If you’re after a particular flower arrangement or colour, head to your local nursery to see what’s on offer. >
“THERE’S A PLACE FOR A CAMELLIA IN EVERY GARDEN - WITH thousands OF VARIETIES, YOU’LL FIND ONE OR MORE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS” ~ PAULA BENNEIAN, POD GARDENS
“YOU WANT camellias to shine, RATHER THAN COMPETE FOR ATTENTION WHEN FLOWERING” ~ MATT GERAKIOS, PHYTON AUSTRALIA
GROWING GUIDE
CLIMATE
Camellias will grow in most climates, from subtropical to cold zones. Depending on the species, some camellias are more heat or frost tolerant than others. Source plants from your local nursery, as they will stock varieties suitable for your area.
ASPECT
Most camellias prefer a slightly shaded position, although sasanquas, reticulatas and hybrid camellias can handle slightly more sun (but always check plant labels when purchasing). Avoid planting in areas with hot dry winds and if you live in a frosty area, avoid morning sun as the sun hitting the morning dew on the shrub can burn flowers.
SOIL
Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter and compost is essential. They also prefer a slightly more acidic soil, with a pH of 5-6.5, so add a soil acidifier, if required.
WATER
Water regularly and mulch well with an organic mulch such as lucerne or bark chips – this will help prevent their shallow roots from drying out. Once established, camellias are quite tough and can withstand dry conditions (provided they’re well mulched).
FERTILISER
To get the best out of your camellias, feed in early spring and autumn with a specialised azalea and camellia plant food. Don’t be tempted to overfeed though – this will do more harm than good.
CAMELLIA SASANQUA
Dotted with a profusion of small dainty blooms, sasanqua camellias bring a garden to life from late summer to winter. They are the first to flower of camellias, but their blooms last a couple of days, before shattering and falling, leaving behind a magical carpet of precious petals.
BEST USED FOR: The small leaves and dense growing form of sasanqua makes them ideal for hedging, particularly along narrow areas, such as the area beside the driveway.
CAMELLIA JAPONICA
As the garden begins to awaken from its winter slumber, the flowers of japonica camellias open. Japonicas can grow into large shrubs or small trees and they have large blooms that can last up to 3-4 weeks on the plant. BEST USED FOR: Grow as a feature shrub or small tree, a privacy screen or informal hedge for lightly shaded areas of the garden. Pick flowers and float them in a shallow bowl or vase. There are thousands of different varieties to choose from.
CAMELLIA RETICULATA
Often described as the ‘glamour girls’ of camellias, reticulatas have the largest flowers, producing blooms up to 25cm in diameter for certain varieties (and can grow between 5m and 8m tall). The extravagant blooms, often with frilled edges, appear from late winter and continue to flower for many months.
BEST USED FOR: They are a stunning specimen plant placed in full sun or bright dappled light. Cut the flowers and enjoy the blooms indoors.
CAMELLIA HYBRIDS
Experience the best of both worlds with camellia hybrids. These plants are a cross between two camellia species, specifically selected for hardiness, floriferous habits, fragrance or flower size. Miniature hybrids, with their sweet, delicate blooms are an especially adorable addition to the garden.
BEST USED FOR: Anywhere in the garden where most camellias feature and thrive – check plant labels or consult a camellia specialist for local advice.