Camellia

Camellia japonica Nobilissima

• 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: January to March
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This is an early flowering camellia that produces peony-shaped blooms with delicately shaded pale yellow centres among glossy, deep green leaves. This popular, evergreen shrub withstands all but the harshest, most windy conditions - making it perfect for cold areas. It's one of the earliest camellias to flower - often producing a display of elegant white blooms for use indoors over Christmas and New Year.
  
  

• 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.