Posted on 8th Apr 2010 @ 12:55 PM

Over the last few years there have been some new camellias arrive on the market, which in my mind epitomize the beauty, elegance and versatility of these fabulous plants. Camellias can have a multitude of uses in the garden from hedging plants, to screening areas, a colour feature, espaliered, topiary, stunning pot specimens, or whatever you can think of really. There is such a huge range to choose from for all areas, japonicas for shady areas, sasanquas for sun, hybrids for mass flowering, fragrance, hardiness and resilience.

The new Volunteer camellia Japonica is stunning, with early flowering, large wine coloured with white markings on petal edges, peony form flowers, this is an amazing specimen camellia. Volunteer does best on the southern side of the house, and can also be used as a hedge. Every house should have one. Another beautiful camellia is Sweet Jane (see picture above), which flowers from early winter and into spring. With pink buds which open to an informal semi double blooms with pink rear petals and light pink to white central petals. The graceful slender branches make this a wonderful espaliered camellia or look magnificent as a feature in a pot or in the garden.

Tulip Time camellia is a very unusual, with light lavender pink flowers that remind you of miniature tulips, this variety in full bloom in early winter against the glossy green leaves is breath taking in any garden. Tulip Time has strong upright habit and is sun hardy and a bonus is the scented flowers.

Camellia japonica Federation was bred in honour of the 100th anniversary of the federation of states in Australia. With large deep pink at the edge shading to white at the base of the petals, peony formed flowers; this is another winner in the garden. The glossy leaves and upright habit make it a wonderful specimen in a pot or feature in the garden. Come in and see these beautiful camellias now at the nursery and put a bit of colour into your garden.