A Reliable Camellia for Every Spot in the Garden

Whether you have a sunny or shady position in the garden, there’s a camellia for every situation.

The camellia has long been a stalwart feature of Tasmanian gardens. Their handsome, glossy leaves provide a lush green presence throughout the year, while their intricate blooms are especially welcome when much of the garden is shrouded in fog and mist. Yet for all their generosity, camellias don’t receive quite the same attention from gardeners as roses or rhododendrons.

Maybe you’ve heard they’re too slow growing, too high maintenance or they never flower in your garden, but camellias are a lot easier than you think. You just need the right one for the right spot.

Camellia varieties

In Australia, the most common camellias you’ll hear of are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. In reality, there are hundreds of other varieties throughout the world, not including new hybrids that are bred by keen gardeners every day. The camellias we tend to stock at the nursery are ones we know will perform well in Tasmanian conditions.

Camellia japonica

Camellia japonicas are often recommended for shady gardens, where they provide much-needed colour during the cooler months. They perform best in positions with morning sun and dappled shade, but are less tolerant of the intense heat of the afternoon sun. While they can be grown in deep shade, flowering may be reduced, as even the most shade-tolerant plants require some sunlight to initiate flower buds. For the best results, choose an east- or south-facing position that receives at least four hours of sunlight each day.

Camellia sasanqua

Camellia sasanquas are much more versatile and are particularly well suited to sunnier positions. Their smaller leaves and vigorous growth make them ideal for hedging, screening and espalier. Unlike japonicas, sasanquas tolerate considerably more sun and will flower most profusely when grown in full sun to part shade. They are also more tolerant of wind and dry conditions once established. Choose a position that receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best flowering display.

Camellia reticulata

Camellia reticulatas are prized for their exceptionally large, show-stopping blooms and upright growth habit. To produce their best flowers, they require protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds, which can damage the delicate petals. A position with direct morning sun and filtered afternoon shade is ideal. Reticulatas also benefit from ample space to develop into handsome specimen shrubs or small trees. Choose an east-facing position that receives several hours of direct sunlight while remaining sheltered during the hottest part of the day.

Camellia sinensis and tsaii

While best known as the tea plant, Camellia sinensis is also an attractive garden shrub with small white flowers and neat evergreen foliage. It is more tolerant of sun than many ornamental camellias and grows well in full sun to part shade. Camellia tsaii, one of its close relatives, is similarly adaptable and valued for its masses of small, fragrant white flowers. Both species perform best in well-drained soil and can tolerate more exposed positions than japonicas. Choose a location that receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Camellia hybrids

Camellia hybrids, such as Camellia x williamsii, combine the best qualities of their parent species, offering gardeners a diverse range of flower forms, colours and growth habits. Many hybrids have been bred to produce the large blooms of japonicas alongside the sun tolerance and vigour of sasanquas, making them remarkably adaptable in the garden. Most perform well in positions with morning sun and protection from the hottest afternoon rays, though many modern hybrids will tolerate more sun than traditional japonicas. Their versatility makes them suitable for use as feature plants, informal hedges or container specimens. Some, such as Camellia japonica ‘Sweet Jane’ can produce profuse flowers over 5-6 months. Choose a position with well-drained soil and at least four hours of sunlight per day to encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering.

The Camellia Collection

Come and visit us to explore our current range of camellias. Choose from tried and tested favourites, such as Camellia hiemalis ‘Hiryu’ to the latest hybrids bred by renowned camellia breeder Bob Cherry, such as Camellia sasanqua ‘Spellbound’.

Growing conditions and care

Camellias, in general, prefer a rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They don’t enjoy sitting in wet ground through winter, but equally dislike drying out in summer, so building soil structure is your best bet. Inconsistent watering can also affect the formation of buds in summer. Compost, aged manures, and a consistent layer of mulch will go a long way in keeping them settled.

While some camellias, such as sasanquas, can tolerate some wind once established, most camellias thrive in a protected position. Strong drying winds can dry out small buds, and damage full blooms. A position protected from strong winds will help preserve flowers and encourage better overall growth.

Planting is best done in autumn or early spring, while the soil is still warm enough to encourage root development. Camellias are heavy feeders, although excessive feeding can cause buds to drop. For this reason it is a good idea to avoid fertilising while camellias are already in flower. A specialised fertiliser for acid-loving plants is ideal to support steady growth and flowering.

Pruning

When grown as hedging, camellias make a wonderful wall of green. They don’t require much pruning, however, a light trim in late winter, after flowering and before new leaf growth, will keep hedges neat.

Young camellias don’t require pruning. Look for damaged or dead wood and trim off shoots without buds to open up more room for flowers. Do not prune the top of young plants unless it is at the height you intend to keep it. Older plants can be treated quite mean, especially if it has begun to look a bit lacklustre and ragged. Cut back the plant by about a third or to at least 1.5m tall.

Camellias in pots

Most camellias will do fine in pots given the right care. They are well suited to courtyards, patios and smaller spaces where there isn’t room for a full-sized tree. Choose a pot that is no less than 35cm in diameter and use a potting mix suited to acidic plants, such as HALS Professional Rose, Azalea & Camellia Growing Mix. Potted plants will need more regular watering through summer than those in the ground, along with a top-up of mulch to help keep roots cool. A light feed in spring and again in early autumn will keep growth steady, and every few years it’s worth refreshing the potting mix or moving the plant into a slightly larger container.

Weeping varieties of sasanquas, such as ‘Marge Miller’ and ‘Snow’, are particularly suited to pots.

Seasonal care schedule for camellias

For all their charm and beauty, camellias are quite easy to care for. Follow this easy seasonal care schedule for a healthy, thriving plant:

Come in to the Nursery and talk to one of our friendly garden experts today!