Camellias are a quintessential feature of UK gardens, celebrated for their elegant blooms, glossy evergreen foliage, and adaptability to a variety of garden styles. With careful selection and placement, these versatile shrubs can provide a vibrant display from late autumn to early spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing camellias in the UK.
Why Grow Camellias?
Camellias bring color and charm to the garden during the colder months, when few other plants are in bloom. They thrive in the UK’s temperate climate, provided their needs are met. With varieties ranging from pure whites to deep reds, they suit formal gardens, woodland settings, and even containers.
Best Varieties for the UK
The UK is ideal for Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and hybrids that flower at different times of the year. Here are some top picks:
Early Flowering (Autumn/Winter) – Camellia sasanqua
• ‘Narumigata’: Fragrant, single white blooms with pink tinges in autumn.
• ‘Yuletide’: Festive red flowers with prominent yellow stamens, flowering in December.
• ‘Crimson King’: Vivid crimson flowers with a long blooming period.
Mid-Season Flowering (Late Winter/Early Spring) – Camellia japonica
• ‘Adolphe Audusson’: Large red semi-double flowers with a bright sheen.
• ‘Debbie’: Ruffled pink blooms, ideal for borders or containers.
• ‘Elegans’: Pale pink peony-like flowers with a delicate appearance.
Late Flowering (Spring) – Hybrids and Reticulatas
• ‘Donation’ (Camellia x williamsii): A UK favorite with soft pink blooms, known for reliable flowering.
• ‘Dr. Clifford Parks’ (Camellia reticulata): Large, deep red flowers with striking form.
• ‘Anticipation’: Robust, long-lasting rose-pink flowers from March to April.
When Do Camellias Flower?
Camellia varieties flower at different times, providing color from October to April:
• October–January: Early varieties (C. sasanqua) bloom in the autumn and winter months.
• February–March: C. japonica and many hybrids begin flowering in late winter.
• March–April: Late varieties, including C. x williamsii hybrids, extend the flowering season into spring.
Where and When to Plant Camellias
Camellias prefer cool, sheltered conditions with consistent moisture levels. Their shallow roots are sensitive to heat and drought, making placement crucial.
Ideal Planting Locations
• Soil: Camellias thrive in neutral to acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). If your soil is alkaline, grow them in containers with ericaceous compost.
• Light: Choose a partially shaded spot that receives morning sun but is sheltered from harsh midday rays or strong winds. Early sun on frost-covered buds can cause damage.
• Shelter: Plant near walls, hedges, or trees to protect against cold winds.
When to Plant
• Best time: Plant in autumn or early spring when the soil is warm and moist.
• Avoid planting in winter when the ground is frozen or in summer when heat stress can harm new roots.
How to Plant Camellias
1. Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the pot it comes in.
2. Amend the Soil: Incorporate organic matter, such as leaf mold or well-rotted compost, to improve structure and drainage.
3. Planting: Set the plant at the same depth it was in its pot to avoid burying the crown.
4. Mulch: Add a 5–10 cm layer of mulch, such as bark chips, around the base, keeping it away from the stem.
Caring for Camellias
Proper care ensures a healthy plant and abundant blooms:
Watering
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season (spring to autumn).
• Water with rainwater where possible, as tap water can raise soil alkalinity.
Feeding
• Use an ericaceous fertilizer in spring and early summer to encourage strong growth and flower production.
• Avoid feeding after July, as it can promote soft growth vulnerable to winter damage.
Pruning
• Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead or damaged branches after flowering.
• For shaping, prune lightly in late spring, just after the plant has bloomed.
Frost Protection
• Protect early-blooming varieties from frost by covering them with fleece during particularly cold spells.
Growing Camellias in Containers
Camellias grow well in pots, making them a good choice for small gardens or patios.
1. Use a large container with good drainage holes.
2. Fill with ericaceous compost and mix in some perlite for aeration.
3. Water regularly to prevent drying out, as container-grown plants are more susceptible to drought.
4. Repot every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and check root health.
Common Problems and Solutions
• Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of nutrient deficiency or alkaline soil. Feed with ericaceous fertilizer and check pH.
• Bud Drop: Can result from irregular watering, frost damage, or stress. Keep the soil evenly moist and protect buds from extreme cold.
• Sooty Mold: Caused by sap-sucking insects like scale or aphids. Treat with horticultural soap or remove insects manually.
Design Ideas for Camellias
• Woodland Borders: Pair camellias with shade-loving plants like ferns, hellebores, and snowdrops for a layered look.
• Containers on Patios: Use compact varieties in pots to brighten patios during winter and early spring.
• Formal Hedges: Use camellias with dense foliage for evergreen structure and seasonal color.
With their elegant flowers and year-round foliage, camellias are a timeless addition to UK gardens. By selecting the right variety, planting in the right location, and giving them the care they need, you’ll enjoy their beauty for decades to come.
