Camellia × williamsii 'Donation'
camellia
- Position: partial shade (but not east-facing)
- Soil: moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil (or ericaceous compost for container-grown specimens)
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: February to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
An exceptionally long-flowering camellia that produces large, semi-double, soft pink, saucer-shaped flowers from February to May among glossy, bright green leaves. In partial shade the flowers of this popular, evergreen shrub are longer-lasting and less likely to fade. Compact and upright in shape, it's perfect for growing in a large patio container or for creating an informal, flowering screen. - Garden care: To prevent damage to the emerging buds and flowers protect from cold, dry winds and early morning sun. Water established plants in dry weather to prevent bud drop. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Top-dress annually with shredded bark or well-rotted leaf mould. After flowering lightly trim or prune any branches that spoil the appearance of the plant.
Bergenia cordifolia 'Purpurea'
elephant's ears
A robust plant for edging or groundcover
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna
sweet box
Lovely fragrant flowers
Viola odorata
sweet violet
Sweetly fragrant flowers
Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Flore Pleno'
double snowdrop - In The Green
Pot full of double flowering snowdrops - at least 4 shooting bulbs per pot
Japanese
Make the most of over 3000 years of gardening tradition by creating an oriental-style garden. Originally designed as a place for intellectual contemplation and meditation, they are an ideal sanctuary from...
Read full articleBud blast
Symptoms Dried up buds fail to open then turn hard and brown. They are covered lots of tiny black bristly growths, which are full of spores. The plant is healthy in all other respects. Plants most commonly affected Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Cause A fungus...
Read full articleBud drop
Symptoms Buds form, sometimes to their full size and then drop off with no apparent reason. Cause A period of dry weather while the buds are forming causes this. Camellia and rhododendrons are more susceptible and a few days of drought at the...
Read full articleApril pruning of trees, shrubs and
climbers
Many shrubs, trees and climbers are showing signs of growth and so it is an ideal time to check them over for winter damage. If you feel they need a little care and attention, here are a few notes to...
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