Camellias are a popular plant in Sydney with many homes around the North Shore and Northern Beaches boasting camellias throughout their gardens.
With a multitude of varieties, colours and flower shapes, the camellia provides a versatile plant, ideal for all gardens. Typically used as a hedging plant, a feature tree or within formal gardens, there are two key varieties; the Camellia Sasanqua which prefers semi shade to full sun and the Camellia Japonica which prefers semi shade to full shade. Read the key differences between the camellia varieties to determine which option would be best suited for your garden.
Once established, caring for these hardy Camellias can be fairly simple. These plants will provide colour in the garden throughout the year with their evergreen foliage and beautiful flowers in winter and spring, depending on the variety.
Tips when caring for established camellias:
- Camellias will generally thrive in good quality, well-drained garden soil or a quality potting mix.
- They need a reliable source of water, we recommend installing a drip system that can be turned on and used as needed.
- Fertiliser is recommended on an annual basis
- Prune to hedge or shape the plants annually in early spring which will encourage new growth.
- If you are keeping your camellia in a pot, we recommend moving your camellia to a larger pot every few years to provide fresh soil and avoid them becoming root bound.
- Mulching is recommended like with any garden, to keep moisture in and weeds out. We recommend a pine chip, Lucine or sugar cane mulch. Be careful of freshly chipped wood as it can draw nitrogen out of the soil and can attract termites.
Pest and Diseases that can affect Camellia’s
With pests and diseases, Camellias are prone to aphids and mites. If you do get them, give your Camellia’s a spray of White Oil or Eco Oil or a Miticide and that should do the job.
Flora Nursery has been growing and supplying Camellias to Sydney homes since 1960. Their wholesale nursery specialises in camellias and they have a multitude of varieties available, including their very own Camellia Sasanqua Creek.
Ensure your landscaper or local nursery gets quality camellias for your garden from Flora Nursery. We have sizes from 200mm up to 500mm available and are particular with our quality process to ensure that the plant you receive is as big and bushy as it can be for its age and variety.