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Shrubs

Camellia azalea

An evergreen shrub or small tree to 4m high, with long, oval, leathery dark green leaves that are pale green underneath. Produces single red flowers, 8-10cm across, with petals notched at the tips. This half-hardy species is unusual in producing its flowers, singly and in clusters of up to 5, over a long period from early summer well into autumn

Synonyms

Camellia changii

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Ultimate height

2.5–4 metres

Time to ultimate height

10–20 years

Ultimate spread

2.5–4 metres

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Theaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Camellia are evergreen shrubs with simple, ovate, glossy, leathery leaves and showy flowers with solitary or clustered flowers early in the year
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and good drainage. May be grown outdoors in frost-free areas, or in a conservatory or large container that can be moved indoors in winter. Position in full sun or light shade, and shelter from cold, dry winds. Though this species is not currently widely grown, it is the subject of much research into the production of summer flowering camellias, and has been recorded flowering well into winter in ideal conditions. See camellia cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Flower borders and beds
Wall side borders
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 8 (evergreens), after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, phytophthora root rot, camellia gall, camellia leaf blight, and camellia yellow mottle virus. Flowers may be infected by camellia petal blight

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