This week, Harry has chosen 3 different camellia’s. The reason is most simple – they are currently brightening up the nursery, offering some visually warming respite from the biting cold that has descended.
We’ve put together a brief video of these three varieties featured in the nursery – and a friendly Tui decided to join in as well. Click the link below to watch.
Harry is partial to standing there and gazing at not just the Camellia’s, but also the birds they attract. They make for an attractive plant for birds, especially those with prominent stamens. So Harry will stand there and sometimes attempt to whistle to the birds. This is until he’s gently reminded there is work to be done. Or he loses all feeling in his toes. Whichever comes first.
Key Characteristics of Camellia’s:
✔ Evergreen
✔ Winter to Spring flowering
✔ Smaller to medium growing tree
✔ Naturally bushy, ideal for hedging or pruning into shapes.
✔ Deep green foliage. Some have contrasting red or pink new growth.
CAMELLIA ‘Fairy Blush’ - Pale Pink Camellia
A winter wonder, the ‘Fairy Blush’ pushes back against the dreariness of the season with delightful small, pink flowers. As the buds open, they turn white and provide a velvety aesthetic to soften the harsh edges of winter. Leaves are leathery and ovate, creating a contrasting backdrop for that delicious winter colour.
Ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards and in formal hedging, this evergreen grows to 2 x 1m.
CAMELLIA ‘Crimson King’ - Red Flowering Camellia
Upright and dense, the young shrubs teeter on pink before settling in a bright red which provides the most striking contrast to the yellow stamens. The single flowers are slightly fragrant, introducing some sweetness to the overwise dank whiff of winter.
Hardy and evergreen, the ‘Crimson King’ will grow to 3m and prefers lightly dappled shade.
CAMELLIA ‘Setsugekka’
Prized for the large, semi-double flowers of the freshest white punctuated by bright yellow stamens, this lightly fragrant plant has a lengthy blooming season. The ovate leaves will remain green all year, making it ideal for formal hedging or to define areas within a courtyard. Grows to 2.5m.