Raraflora NurseriesCamellia Japonica And Hybrid Nursery - South Coast, NSW
Camellia Japonica and Camellia Hybrids
Japonica and hybrid camellias are evergreen shrubs that will produce an abundance of striking blooms in winter and early spring. Japonicas and hybrids are the most numerous of all camellia garden cultivars, with flower shapes and colours available in a seemingly endless range.
These plants perform best in light shade to full sun. (While it is sometimes considered best to plant them in shade, we believe flowering is more abundant on plants receiving good sun. White and pale pink flowers may be best shielded from hot afternoon sun, which can scald the petals.) We also have available Camellia Reticulata and Camellia Higo varieties.
As natives of Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Korea (and sometimes known as the ‘gum trees of China’) these plants are very well suited to Australian climates and soils and will last a lifetime if care is taken establishing the plant.
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 very shapely habit so little if any pruning is required. The flowers vary in size from miniature and cluster flowering, through small, medium, large and very large and some varieties produce delightful fragrances.
While grafted plants cost more to produce (and so may cost more) they grow away as very healthy, vigorous and reliable hardy specimens more adaptable to a greater variety of garden conditions.
Camellias make superb garden specimens and can also be used for privacy screen or wind breaks to great effect. They perform reliably in containers and will act as a fire retardant rather than a fuel.