Camellia Japonica R.L. Wheeler | 1.5L Pot

Showy flowers appear in late winter. Position: partial shade (but not east-facing) Soil: moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil (or ericaceous compost for container-grown specimens) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: January to March Hardiness: fully hardy The large (up to 15cm across) flowers of this evergreen shrub are variable, and they range in colour from mid-pink to carmine-red. Even their shape can vary from open-centred semi-doubles to frilly-centred anemone forms, but most will display at least some (if not all) of their golden stamens. Because no two flowers are exactly the same, it almost looks as though there is more than one shrub growing in its place – and as it eventually forms a good-sized specimen, it’s a wonderful addition to the garden in late winter. Garden care: To prevent damage to the emerging buds and flowers protect from cold, dry winds and early morning sun. Water established plants in dry weather to prevent bud drop. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Top-dress annually with shredded bark or well-rotted leaf mould. After flowering lightly trim or prune any branches that spoil the appearance of the plant.