Camellia

• Evergreen shrub
• Camellia sasanqua flower during late autumn, through winter. Camellia japonica and Camellia × willamsii flower from early spring
• Plant in autumn or spring
• Thrives in part shade. Camellia sasanqua will thrive in full sun once the roots have established
• An ericaceous plant, so requires an acid soil
• Prune after flowering if needed
• Keep well-watered through the summer – this is when the plants produce next year’s flower buds
• Feed in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser
• Grows well in containers

Camellias are best planted in autumn while the soil is still warm to encourage the roots to establish before winter sets in.

Most cultivars prefer partial or dappled shade, but Camellia sasanqua will tolerate sunnier positions

Camellias thrive in an acid soil. If you can grow rhododendrons then you've got the right soil for camellias

You can also grow camellias in containers in an ericaeous peat-free compost. This is best option if you garden on an alkaline soil like chalk

Plant camellias in a sheltered position, away from cold winds and early morning sun

Allow a space of at least 3-5m (10-15ft) per plant. When fully grown they will be medium to large plants

Camellias are generally hardy (RHS hardiness rating H5), but Camellia sasanqua is slightly more tender (H4) and may need winter protection in particularly cold winters or in freezing winds

Prepare the area by first removing any weeds if necessary and digging over the area for planting