Camellia japonica 'Elegans'
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: average
- Flowering period: February to April
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A spreading evergreen shrub with anemone-form, deep rose-pink flowers from mid- to late spring and glossy, leathery leaves. It's ideal for a mixed or spring border and the foliage provides an excellent foil for early perennials. Where the soil is unsuitable or spring frosts are very severe, plants can be grown in large containers of ericaceous compost and brought indoors when necessary. - 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 fertilise 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.
Clematis 'Early Sensation'
Clematis (Group 1)
A profusion of white flowers in spring
Bergenia cordifolia
elephant's ears / heart-leaf bergenia
Ideal groundcover plant
Lonicera × purpusii 'Winter Beauty'
winter honeysuckle
Fantastic fragrance during the winter
Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba'
bleeding heart (syn. Dicentra spectabilis Alba)
Arching sprays of delicate, heart-shaped white flowers
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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