The camellias are popular ornamental shrubs valued in gardens, having glabrous evergreen foliage, and these shrubs are in flower when most of the plant life is relaxing or dormant. These plants are capable of becoming the most attractive thing in your garden with their varieties of colors, shapes, and the time they blossom. There is a range to suit most outdoor locations, whether it be as a formal border in a garden or a specimen in your garden or even just some color of winter.
In designing your garden, it is best to hire the services of online sources like The Plant Company. It is an on-line NZ-based website to look at the varieties of trees, plants and even how to design your garden layout. Online chatting with the staff may also make the process of selecting the correct Camellia much easier. All the different types of cultivars present make it important that you receive the help of an expert so that you pair the specifics of the plant with the appearance and purpose you desire in your yard.
Japonica Varieties
Camellia Japonica is probably the best-known variety. It has large bright showy flowers which can be red, pink, white, and even bi-colors. The varieties normally bud late winter all through into spring and are available in a broad spectrum of petal shapes with some being formal and looking more like roses to other types, loose and relaxed. Japonicas also require a little protection against sun and wind, so are rather good when planted in shady borders, or when used as an ornamental shrub.
Sasanqua Varieties
Another popular one is Camellia Sasanqua, which starts to flower early, generally in late autumn late until the early winter. The heads are frequently smaller and daintier than the Japonicas, but they appear in abundance. Sasanquas can also stand more sunlight, so can be used in hedges as well as screens or even against a wall as an espalier. They are more appealing as they grow lighter and have a fragrance. They also offer beauty and practicality to your garden.
Hybrids & Specialty Cultivars
Hybrids have been derived by plant breeders over the years that incorporate the positive qualities of other species. Such hybrids tend to display better cold hardiness, long flowering ranges or unusual flower shapes. Specialty cultivars can develop peony-like flowers, variegated petals even botanically odd leaves. If you are in search of something distinct to look special in your garden, hybrids and specialty varieties are worth pursuing.
Reticulata Varieties
Camellia Reticulata is also amongst the best varieties for a gardener who loves large, bold flowers can enjoy. They are among the biggest flowered plants in the genus, often with ruffled petals that make a melodramatic statement. They are not as generally cultivated as Japonicas or Sasanquas but are valued as a knockout show. Reticulatas prefer protected areas so that their tender blossoms are not destroyed by the wind.
Choosing the Right Camellia
There is enough of them, so choosing an appropriate should be determined by the conditions of your garden and the design purpose. Consider factors like sunlight and space, time of flowering and preferred type of flower. Combine the different varieties, which helps to enjoy flowering across several months. Your garden stays beautiful across autumn, winter and spring.
