Charmante Camellia in de kijker

Between January and May, there is usually not much to do in the garden. Until the Camellia appears on the scene. This hardy shrub treats with beautiful double and single flowers. A colour show you can keep looking at. We highlight a few cultivars and growers.

Club tropical from winter to spring

Autumn and winter flowering Camellia

Camellia sasanqua blooms from late autumn into winter with fragrant pink, red or white flowers. Growing no taller than five metres, these upright shrubs are ideal for a smaller garden. They thrive in sunny places, but prefer a sheltered spot in acidic, well-drained soil. The best-known variety is probably the Yuletide with single red flowers and a striking yellow centre that bloom from late November.

Winter bloomer

Favourite: Camellia japonica Volunteer. This Camellia opens the winter season with soft pink bicoloured flowers. The colder the temperatures, the more intense its colour, ending the season in deep pink. Its glossy dark green leaves add colour to the garden all year round. Its compact growth makes it ideal for borders or a pot on the patio. Pruning it lightly after flowering keeps it nice and compact.

Spring-flowering Camellia

Camellia japonica, also known as common or Japanese Camellia, blooms between January and March in a palette of colours. A popular variety is Fairy Blush, recognisable by its small white fragrant flowers and delicate ovoid leaves. This compact shrub is ideal for a plant container or smaller garden. After about seven years, they reach their full height of about one metre.

Camellia as hedge or flowerbed

Because Camellia are evergreen, they lend themselves perfectly as hedges or flower borders. Take Camellia cupido for example. This fully hardy variety grows up to 150 cm tall and produces small pinkish-white flowers from March to May. What also stands out are the new shoots that turn red as they sprout.

Prefer a variety that grows even taller? Then choose the Crimson Candles. At no less than 350 cm tall, it towers high above other plants. Moreover, it attracts attention with its shiny bronze-red leaves that turn deep green as the season progresses. As if that were not enough, it steals the show with its red candleshaped flower buds. In late winter, these bloom into deep pink flowers. In short, a real eye-catcher.

Colour brilliance thanks to our suppliers

Wilwoodii

This renowned Belgian grower grows more than 170 000 Camellias. And that in a range of classic japonica varieties and sasanqua. Most plants are available in a 19 cm pot size, but a 28 cm pot size is also possible for the specimen plant.

Torenzicht

This Camellia japonica grower, based in Den Hoorn, supplies top-quality plants in a wide range of varieties, including Lady Campbell, Dr King and Brushfield Yellow. One of their toppers is the pot line in 13 cm, with 10-15 flower buds per plant and available as a variety or as a mix - a bestseller for any garden centre.

Van Son & Koot - “your botanic friend”

This grower is known for its premium and special collections. In addition, Van Son & Koot offers a wonderful range from specialised varieties such as Beauty Blush and Winter Perfume Pearl to all-time classics such as Black Lace and Bonomiana. With strong marketing material, they know how to seduce the end consumer in the shop. They also support garden centres with assortments like the “Camellia Flower Festival” to steer them in the right direction when making choices about assortment, pot sizes and import weeks.

This is how to get the most out of the Camellia

The Camellia feels best at home in a spot in semi-shade. They enjoy the morning sun, but prefer shade afterwards. So preferably plant them in a sheltered spot in slightly acidic soil, preferably humus-rich.

Camellia planted? With the tips below, the plant will last ultra long.

• In spring and summer, give Camellia a layer of acidic compost or leaf mulch around the base of the plant. This will help maintain acidity.

• After flowering, prune only some protruding branches and otherwise leave the plant alone. With 15 to 20 centimetres of growth per year, the Camellia takes its time.

• Camellias like evenly moist soil. Especially in spring and summer, water regularly, preferably rainwater. Also in autumn and during a dry winter, it is best to water it when you feel the soil is too dry.Note: make sure the water can drain well, so that no layer remains and the roots can freeze.