Camellia

Camellia Blooms (Click image for a larger view)

If you want to add some colour to your garden in winter nothing beats a camellia. Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae and are evergreens. There are 100 to 250 described species of camellia and there is some disagreement over exactly how many. When planting camellias, pay attention to the variety as some do better in shade and some do better in sun; Camellia sasanqua is a variety that does better in sun. The soil should drain well and should be slightly acid; a pH of 6.0-6.5. When feeding camellias, you want to use an acid fertiliser as you would with hollies and azaleas.

I have no idea how old the back garden camellia is; Mum planted it and I have no recollection of the date. It has reached up above the roof and is a great show in winter. It is amazing to see this small tree in full bloom in the middle of winter. It brings me a great deal of pleasure since the rest of the garden is below ground and won't bring forth blooms until warmer weather returns.

Camellia (Click image for larger view)