Top 6 camellias to plant now

Camellia japonica ‘Little Bit’

Red peony-form flowers that look slightly frilled and feature white candystripe flecking are produced from February/March. H: 13ft/4m.

Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’

Pure white formal double flowers from March to April. Geometrically placed petals are open and flat, like a cut diamond. It’s slow growing and upright in habit. H: 13-26ft/4-8m.

Camellia x williamsii ‘Night Rider’

This new hybrid from New Zealand teams very deep red, semi-double flowers with glossy leaves flushed with purple. A good choice for training against a wall or fence. H: 4ft/1.2m.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Crimson King’

(AGM) Early flowering, with large, single, scented red blooms appearing in October. A fast-growing, dense, upright shrub. H: 5-8ft/1.5-2.5m.

Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’

(AGM) Large, semi-double, soft pink flowers from February to May. Good for growing in containers or as a hedge due to its compact but upright habit. H: 13-26ft/4-8m.

Camellia ‘Ruby Wedding’

(AGM) Sold as both C. x williamsii and C. japonica, this slow grower offers deep, ruby-red, medium, peony form flowers from February through to May. H: 6ft/1.8m.