Camellia Time

The local fox having a good old scratch, caught by my trail camera

For plants so aristocratic-looking and perfectly formed camellias are remarkably obliging. Their leaves remain glossily green throughout winter and they flower prolifically in spring. They were first brought to England from East Asia, China and India on the ships of the East India Company during the 18th century. The journey back took about a year so it's surprising that they managed to survive. 

There are two main varieties grown in gardens now, C. japonica, double, a bit sensitive to the cold with many varieties to choose from and C. williamsii, with fewer varieties  but hardier. There's a great choice  with colours mainly red, pink or white. (C. sinensis, from which we get tea, is grown in this country today, but as a crop. )

Unnamed red camellia in a friend's garden

If you look into small front gardens as you walk along the street you will see some wonderful specimens. A friend of mine down the road has a splendid red bush covered in blooms.                 

My C. japonica Lady van Sittart has white flowers which may have streaks of red or even the occasional red flower. It is less vigorous than many so I can keep it well in a container. 

  

But my favourite is a neat, small-flowered variety called C. transnokoensis (named after Mount Noko) which comes from Taiwan. It is so delicate and pretty and starts to flower sometimes in December right through to March. Although camelias have little or no scent, it is loved by early bees - another thing in its favour. I saw it one day years ago  in a garden and tried for ages to get. It took me three years, the nurseries had always sold out. But I've had it now for ten years and lovely it is. 

Delicate flowers of Camellia transokoensis

 

Branch of Camellia transnokoensis 

                                                                   

I'm having fun with the trail camera, which picks up the fox prowling at night when most other things seem to be sleeping. but also in the daytime when  it thinks no one is looking.