Camellias display an abundance of large showy blooms that span a delectable colour palette, from fiery reds to glacial whites. These evergreen, glossy-leaved beauties are perfect performers in southern British gardens, although they tend to grow best under glass in the chillier north. Either way, they bring a touch of elegance to the early Spring garden.

Originally from the forest edges of the Far East, especially China and Japan, camellias were introduced into Britain in the 1700s and were initially cultivated under glass. The first camellia flowering was recorded in a stove house at Thorndon Hall, Brentford, Essex, which was owned by the Petre family. The blooms were described at the time by horticulturalist Peter Collinson as, “evergreen shrubs with bay-like leaves; one bore white flowers, the other red”. Today, as a result of cross breeding between cultivars of Camellia japonica and Camellia x williamsii in the main, camellias are more hardy and thrive outdoors, particularly enjoying Britain's southern climate.

There is nothing shy about a camellia bloom – it proclaims its beauty through its bold scale, brilliant colour and variety of flower forms. There are pure whites, such as C. japonica 'Alba Simplex', then there are the soft pastel pinks of C. japonica 'Hawaii' and C. japonica 'Peachblossom', and the rich corals and blushing scarlet varieties of C. 'Francie L' (reticulata hybrid) and C. japonica 'Bob Hope'.
The camellia's reputation for fickleness in hard weather – some refuse to flower in cooler northern areas – has led to hybridising and the creation of speckled, striped and picotee varieties. So now we see pale flowers that are splashed with colour, such as the C. japonica 'Lavinia Maggi' and C. japonica 'Tricolor'.

HOW TO GROW THEM
Camellias require a sheltered position and well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5·5 to 6·8) that is rich in organic matter. They can also be grown in containers – use an ericaceous compost. You can train them into a variety of forms, ranging from standards and large bushes up to three metres tall to glossy-leaved hedges and espaliers. Annual pruning is necessary to train and maintain shape and is best done after flowering and before new growth starts. Camellias tend to flower over a period of eight weeks, so you'll have ample time to enjoy their exotic blooms.

WHERE TO BUY THEM
• Camellia Grove, Market Garden, Cyder Farm, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 6PP, (01403) 891143.
• Coghurst Camellias, Ivyhouse Lane, Three Oaks, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4NP, (01424) 756228.
• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Cott Road, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 0HW, (01208) 872668.
• Trehane Camellia Nursery, Stapehill Road, Hampreston, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7ND, (01202) 873490.

WHERE TO SEE THEM
• Antony Woodland Garden, Torpoint, Cornwall PL11 2QA, (01752) 812364, holds the National Collection of Camellia japonica and has a beautiful tunnel of Camellia x williamsii 'Donation' combined with Camellia japonica 'Lady de Saumarez'.
• Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP, (01246) 565300, has award-winning camellias growing in glasshouses and along the Conservative Wall in the garden. The wall was given this name because hot water pipes installed behind it conserve heat and protect the camellias, which were first planted there in the 1850s. All blooms used in this feature were provided by Chatsworth.
• Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cremyll, Torpoint, Cornwall PL10 1HZ, (01752) 822236, holds the National Camellia Collection.

FEBRUARY 2005
FEATURE JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT