NEXT to roses, camellias are among the most sought after of garden specimens.
These tough shrubs and small trees herald autumn and provide a much needed show of colour in our winter gardens.
The first to show off are the sasanqua camellias which burst into flower in early autumn in shades of white and pink through to the lovely red of 'Yuletide'.
The large showy blooms are borne on vigorous shrubs that flourish in most garden positions, sun or shade, requiring a minimum of upkeep.
In winter the japonica camellias take centre stage. These formal double flowers are among the most perfectly formed and prized flowers.
When planting camellias there are a couple of things to be aware of:
■Make sure the area you plant into is well drained.
■They like a lot of organic matter to keep the ph of the soil slightly acidic.
■Mulch them in early spring to stop them drying out.
■All camellias appreciate fertilisers with high phosphorous levels to encourage more flowers.
■Sasanquas like sun but be careful with japonicas as many of them prefer semi-shaded areas.
Keep a lookout for camellia reticulata, with blooms the size of dinner plates, it's not common but a real show off
■ Got a question? Contact Michael Lee at www.greenthumbgardener.com.au
