Hardy, gorgeous, early flowering and relatively trouble-free, camellias are the ideal choice for the colder months – and now is the perfect time to plant them, says Camilla Phelps
WHO wouldn’t want to grow a camellia? The sumptuous, colourful blooms appear when there is precious little else in flower, bringing a splash of joy to any garden in winter. These evergreen shrubs, with bright glossy green foliage, are bold and elegant – and what’s more, they love a shady spot.
Although camellias were at first considered tender plants, and were traditionally grown in greenhouses, they are hardy enough to be very happy outdoors in the UK climate. Flower buds may need temporary protection during periods of extreme cold and frost, but generally camellias are relatively troublefree, with few pest and disease problems – although camellia blight, a fungal disease, can cause flowers to drop.
Denne historien er fra October 14,2017-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 14,2017-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
