January Plant of the month - Camellia

Camellias are one of the most popular winter and spring flowering shrubs, providing a splash of colour when very little else is in flower. They are an old fashioned flower loved by many gardeners and come in many varieties and colours, such as “Lady Campbell” (bright pink), “Blood of China” (deep red), “Pope John XXIII” (white) and “Brushfields Yellow” (yellow).

Camellias prefer slightly acidic conditions to grow in. The more sheltered the camellia is the better the flowering. The lighter the flower colour, the more you will need to protect it from wind. Tea also comes from Camellia Sinensis which is grown for its leaves rather than its flowers. Ideal partner plants for camellias would be Hydrangeas, Azeleas or Rhododendrons. Pruning Camellias: this should be done immediately after flowering. Keep well fed in July and August as they put on flower buds at this time of year for the following year's flowers.   Justin Smith, Horticulturalist at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion Powerscourt Garden Pavilion, Powerscourt Estate Enniskerry, County Wicklow. Ph: (01) 204 6014. W: www.powerscourt.ie