Oh yes you cam!
THEY MAY BE FUSSY ABOUT SUNLIGHT, WATER AND SOIL, BUT THE SHEER BEAUTY OF CAMELLIAS WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
NO matter where we live, there is always something that won’t grow for us. If you have stony soil, you’ll have trouble with carrots and parsnips. If your ground is damp and boggy, then grey-leaved sun lovers are out of the question.
In my garden it is rhododendrons and camellias that are impossible to grow since my soil is chalky.
But I can’t imagine being without them at this time of year, when their perfectly formed waxy rosettes of flowers stud the evergreen bushes with tremendous generosity.
If, like me, you are on alkaline soil, all is not lost. You can grow them in containers of lime-free ericaceous compost.
I have 16 camellias in lead planters to avoid them tipping over when they become top heavy. The plants are five or six feet tall and three feet across – and each summer I watch as the fat buds develop.
It is vital, especially in July and
August, that the compost in the containers is not allowed to dry out. If it does, the fat buds that looked so promising right through the winter, are likely to drop off in spring, just before they open.
I’ve rigged up several water butts in between the camellias, so it is only a short walk with a watering can to soak each of them.
Right now they are a real picture with their flowers of crimson, pink, white and deep red.
I love the white and candystriped ‘Lavinia Maggi’, soft pink and perfectly formed ‘Ave Maria’ , pink and rosette like ‘EG Waterhouse’ and the good old favourite rich pink ‘Donation’.
So, go to a garden centre now and choose a plant in flower that appeals to you. Plant them in dappled shade, away from harsh, early morning sun. Other than that, they are remarkably easy to please.
I love them.