Raraflora NurseriesHigo Camellias at Raraflora Nurseries, Jaspers Brush, NSW
Higo Camellias
Higo camellias are rare in Australia. The true form is from southern Japan and striking in its simplicity and elegance. The single form flowers tend to be small to medium sized and are produced on a neat, compact bush.
About 20 cultivars are presently available in Australia with several more also in the country but not readily available. We also have available Camellia Reticulata and Camellia Japonica varieties.
Higo blooms are usually single with a large central group of stamens. Colours of cultivars range from red, white, pink, bi-colour (stripe) to variegated (blotch). The colours are always bright and pure and once one is familiar with the Higo, they are fairly easy to distinguish from other camellia varieties. 
They have a strong cultural significance in Japan. Up to the mid 19th century in Japan, only two social classes were allowed to cultivate Higo camellias – the priests and the Samurais. For many years only the highest classes of the nobility were allowed to possess Higos or even have these flowers on view.
Well drained but moist soil is ideal for optimum growth and flowering and we strongly recommend mulching the root zone. Fertilising, if needed, is best done in early spring (as flowering finishes). The bushes have glossy green leaves and a good growth habit, so little if any pruning is required. They perform best in light shade to full sun.
While grafted plants cost more to produce (and so may cost more) they generally grow away as very healthy, vigorous and reliable hardy specimens that are more adaptable to a greater variety of garden conditions.
Camellias make superb garden specimens and perform well in containers. Camellias will act as a fire retardant rather than a fuel.