As usual at this time of year, I remember that I didn’t take any cuttings of camellias last spring. Camellias are one of those plats that really let you know that spring is here, then forget all about.
These plants need a bit of nurturing if you take cuttings, but the rewards are great. Of course if you want one now the garden centres will supply you with fine examples of colours from red through to pink and white, for a price, but well worth the investment. Grow them in a shady spot, north facing will do, but make sure they are sheltered from early morning sunlight as this will damage the young buds. These plants like an acid or lime free soil. We are lucky around here that most of our gardens are acid, if yours isn’t then the plants can be grown in a container containing ericaceous compost.
When you’re buying the plant look out for tell tale signs that the plants have been well looked after:
Make sure the plant is rounded and bushy with lots of strong buds. If the plant is just one stem it will probably be only one year old and hopefully this will reflect in the price. These shrubs will need to be cut back to promote bushy growth.
These plants need a bit of nurturing if you take cuttings, but the rewards are great. Of course if you want one now the garden centres will supply you with fine examples of colours from red through to pink and white, for a price, but well worth the investment. Grow them in a shady spot, north facing will do, but make sure they are sheltered from early morning sunlight as this will damage the young buds. These plants like an acid or lime free soil. We are lucky around here that most of our gardens are acid, if yours isn’t then the plants can be grown in a container containing ericaceous compost.
When you’re buying the plant look out for tell tale signs that the plants have been well looked after:
Make sure the plant is rounded and bushy with lots of strong buds. If the plant is just one stem it will probably be only one year old and hopefully this will reflect in the price. These shrubs will need to be cut back to promote bushy growth.
Make sure the leaves are a rich dark green and glossy. Yellowing leaves means they have either been in their pots too long, they have been starved of nutrition or vine weevils have eaten the roots.
Try not to buy the plants that are in flower. Go for the ones that are still in bud.If you grow the plant in a container, make sure the compost stays moist and feed well from April through to July.
CAMELLIA IN CONTAINERS
Ian. I want to grow a specimen plant in a tub but don’t want to use the usual cordyline or conifer. Have you a suggestion what would look good, especially early on in the year before the bedding plants come out. Thanks G.T by e-mail
Reply. Try a camellia. They come in pinks or reds and they are ideal plants for containers. They need a bit of shelter from the wind and frost. They also need an acid soil, much the same as rhododendrons. When established the shrub doesn’t really need pruning. You will be rewarded with glossy dark green leaves all year and fabulous blooms from now until May
Horticultural.
Reply. Try a camellia. They come in pinks or reds and they are ideal plants for containers. They need a bit of shelter from the wind and frost. They also need an acid soil, much the same as rhododendrons. When established the shrub doesn’t really need pruning. You will be rewarded with glossy dark green leaves all year and fabulous blooms from now until May
Horticultural.
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