Camellias are slowly but surely gaining a foothold in our gardens. The most beautiful and hardy ones are yet to be made available. It's widely believed that camellias are only pot plants. However, in a protected spot in the garden a camellia will develop to a hardier, more beautiful plant. The older the plant, the more profuse its flowering. Along the coast camellias grow well but inland they need protection with hessian, conifer leaves or gardeners fleece. Once a plant has grown say, 5 years in a pot, it can be planted. Large plants are fully hardy. Make sure camellias are protected from sun in the morning in winter. Some camellias will not flower after a severe winter, and sometimes a branch will freeze back, but the plant as a whole is not affected. Flowers may appear in winter, but usually arrive in early spring. Autumn flowering Camellia's are not well known but do exist. As a hedge only yearly pruning after the flowering period is needed. Come to our nursery in October, March or April if you want to enjoy the spectacle!