© RHS/Tim Sandall

Introducing...

Autumn and winter-flowering camellias

Slightly less hardy than spring-flowering camellias, you can grow these shrubs in sheltered gardens or containers placed in an unheated greenhouse or conservatory over winter. Some are suitable for training up a wall. They are sometimes known as ‘sasanquas’.

Looks

These camellias have single, semi-double or peony- or anemone-form flowers with soft petals. A few varieties have scented flowers. Some forms are compact and slow growing.

Likes

These camellias need a sunny site, sheltered from wind and cold in winter (such as near a house wall or fence). Acidic soil is essential. In containers, use an ericaceous (acidic) compost.

Dislikes

Plants will fail to thrive when grown on alkaline soils and are unlikely to flower well in full shade.

Did you know?

Once rarely seen in gardens, these plants (mainly forms of Camellia sasanqua) have been bred with hardier types to create a range for general garden use.

Growing guide

Autumn & winter-flowering camellias we recommend

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Useful advice

Growing plants in containers

Growing plants in containers

Preventing winter damage

Preventing winter damage

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