CAMELLIA japonica Red

Description:Common name: Japanese Camellia Red. Large evergreen shrub with shiny foliage. Single red flowers in early spring

Uses: Can be grown in containers if your soil is unsuitable. Use ericaceous soil-based compost. Water well in summer as this is when the flower buds are produced

Climate/Position: Part shade is ideal

Height/Spread: 4 metres

Soil Requirements: Best in rich acidic soil, which is moist but well drained

Pruning: Remove spent flowers as they look unsightly. Prune any wayward shoots

Special Requirements: Plant away from early morning sun, best on a west facing aspect, to avoid frost damage to the flowers. Feed using Ericaceous fertilizer, stop after the end of July

Additional Interest: Watering using rainwater from a water butt