Common name: Camellia (Pink)

Description: This elegant evergreen shrub produces stunning pink camellia blooms that create a spectacular display from late winter through to spring. The flowers vary from soft pastel pink to deeper rose-pink shades, typically featuring multiple layers of delicate petals that form perfect rosette or peony-like forms. Each bloom can measure 8-12cm across and appears against a backdrop of glossy, dark green leathery leaves that provide year-round structure and interest. Pink camellias are highly prized for their ability to bring colour to the garden during the colder months when few other shrubs are flowering. The evergreen foliage remains handsome throughout all seasons, creating an excellent backdrop for other plants. Camellias prefer acidic soil and benefit from a sheltered position protected from early morning sun, which can damage frosted flowers. They make superb specimens for shady borders, woodland gardens, or containers filled with ericaceous compost.

Other benefits: evergreen structure for year-round interest, flowers during winter and early spring when colour is scarce, excellent for containers, low maintenance once established, long-lived specimen plant

Wildlife attraction: early nectar source for bees and other pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 1.5m (varies by cultivar)

Position: best in partial shade to full shade; protect from early morning sun and cold drying winds; shelter from frost improves flower quality

Soil pH: requires acidic soil; will not tolerate alkaline or chalky conditions

Moisture: moderate to high moisture requirements; prefers consistently moist, well-drained acidic soil enriched with organic matter; avoid waterlogging

Winter hardiness: hardy to -10°C; flowers may be damaged by severe frosts