Camellias: Winter’s Most Elegant Bloomer
Few plants bring such refined drama to the garden in late winter as the camellia. Flowering from February through March, camellias arrive at exactly the moment colour is most welcome, their polished evergreen foliage providing the perfect backdrop to exquisitely shaped blooms in white, blush, soft pink and rich red.
At Radway Bridge Garden Centre, we are delighted to offer a superb range of mature camellia specimens sourced from Spain, selected for their quality and advanced stage of growth. Thanks to the milder climate, these plants are already in bud earlier than most, meaning there’s no long wait for flowers. What you see is what you get — strong, established plants poised to perform almost immediately.
Camellias thrive in the cooler months, unfazed by late frosts, and bring a sense of calm confidence to the garden when many other shrubs are still dormant. Their blooms open slowly and deliberately, often lasting for weeks, making them a standout feature at a time of year when every flower feels special.
Why Gardeners Love Camellias
Camellias have earned their place as a firm favourite among gardeners for generations. They offer a rare combination of early flowering, evergreen structure and longevity, making them invaluable in both traditional and contemporary gardens.
Their appeal is not only visual. Camellias are dependable performers, returning reliably each year with minimal fuss when planted correctly. Over time, they develop into handsome, architectural shrubs that lend structure and balance to borders, woodland settings and large containers.
Another reason for their enduring popularity is their sense of permanence. Camellias can live for decades, often becoming cherished garden landmarks. Choosing a mature, budded plant allows gardeners to enjoy that established look straight away, without the uncertainty or patience younger plants sometimes demand.
Camellia Care: Simple Tips for Success
Camellias are straightforward to care for once their key requirements are met:
Position: Partial shade is ideal, protected from cold winds and early morning sun
- Soil: Plant only in ericaceous (acidic) compost or soil
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially while buds are forming
- Feeding: Apply an ericaceous feed in spring and again in early summer
- Mulching: Use bark or leaf mould to retain moisture and protect roots
- Containers: Well suited to pots, provided drainage is excellent
- Avoid allowing plants to dry out during winter, as this is the most common cause of bud drop.
With their sculptural form, glossy foliage and perfectly timed winter blooms, camellias are true investment plants. Whether you’re enhancing a shaded corner, adding structure to a border or creating impact in a container, our mature, budded camellias offer immediate presence and long-term reward — making February the perfect time to plant and enjoy them.
