One of the Most Elegant Flowering Shrubs

Camellias are among the most beautiful flowering shrubs you can grow, offering spectacular blooms when little else is flowering. From late winter through to late spring, these evergreen shrubs produce stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.

We grow both Camellia japonica varieties, known for their formal, rose-like blooms, and Camellia williamsii hybrids, which are particularly free-flowering and hardy. All our camellias are grown at the sheltered Walled Nursery in Eccleshall, where the microclimate and protection from harsh winds create ideal conditions for these woodland plants.

The sheltered environment at our historic walled nursery allows us to grow varieties that thrive in Staffordshire's climate. The protection from early morning sun is particularly important for camellias, as frozen buds hit by direct morning sunlight can be damaged. Our nursery-grown plants are fully acclimatised and ready to establish in your garden.

Our Camellia Collection

Camellia japonica

9 varieties

Classic camellias with formal, rose-like blooms. These are the traditional favourites, offering spectacular flowers from February to April.

'Adolphe Audusson'

'Congratulations'

'Desire'

'Golden Anniversary'

'Happy Birthday'

'Lady Vansittart'

'Margaret Davis'

'R.L. Wheeler'

'Silver Anniversary'

Camellia williamsii

2 varieties

Hardy hybrids known for their exceptionally free-flowering nature and reliability. These drop spent blooms cleanly, keeping plants looking tidy.

'Debbie'

'Jury's Yellow'

Growing Camellias in Staffordshire

Planting Position

Plant in a sheltered spot with dappled shade. A north or west-facing position is ideal. Crucially, avoid sites where frozen buds will be hit by early morning sun, as this can damage the flowers.

Soil & Watering

Camellias need acid soil to thrive. Plant in ericaceous compost or amend heavy clay with plenty of organic matter. Keep consistently moist, especially during bud formation in late summer and autumn.

Pruning & Maintenance

Camellias need minimal pruning. Simply remove any damaged or crossing branches after flowering. Deadhead spent blooms if practical. Feed with an ericaceous fertilizer in spring after flowering.

Camellia Questions Answered

When do camellias flower?

Camellia japonica varieties typically flower from February to April, while some Camellia williamsii hybrids start as early as January and continue into May. This makes them invaluable for winter and early spring colour when few other shrubs are flowering.

Can I grow camellias in Staffordshire?

Yes, absolutely. Camellias grow very well in Staffordshire, provided you give them acid soil and a sheltered position. The key is to avoid planting where frozen buds will be hit by early morning sun. Our sheltered Walled Nursery proves how well they thrive in our local climate when given the right conditions.

Do camellias need acid soil?

Yes, camellias are ericaceous plants and must have acid soil. On Staffordshire's neutral to alkaline clay, you will need to either plant in large containers with ericaceous compost, or dig a generous planting hole and backfill entirely with ericaceous compost. Feed annually with an ericaceous fertilizer to maintain soil acidity.

How big do camellias get?

Most camellias are slow-growing. After 10-20 years, expect a height and spread of around 1.5-2.5 metres, though they can eventually reach 3-4 metres if left unpruned. They are easily kept smaller with light pruning and are also excellent in large containers for many years.

Why are my camellia buds dropping?

Bud drop is almost always caused by the plant drying out in late summer or autumn when buds are forming. Camellias need consistent moisture during this critical period. Mulch well and water regularly, especially container-grown plants. Once established in the ground with good soil preparation, this becomes less of an issue.

Visit Our Walled Nursery to See Our Camellias

Our knowledgeable team can advise on the best varieties for your garden's conditions. All our camellias are grown on site and ready to thrive in Staffordshire gardens.

Walled Nursery: 01785 850 400 Bury Bank: 01782 796 353

Which Centre Should I Visit?

The Walled Nursery

Eccleshall, ST21 6BD

Where we grow our Camellias

All our Camellia varieties are grown at the Walled Nursery in Eccleshall, where the sheltered walled garden provides the perfect microclimate for these elegant shrubs.

Full Camellia collection
Expert growing advice
Historic walled garden setting
Award-winning cafe

01785 850 400 More Info

Bury Bank Garden Centre

Nr Stone, ST15 0QA

Also stocks selected Camellias

Bury Bank stocks a selection of Camellia varieties, though the full collection is at the Walled Nursery. Ring ahead to check availability of specific varieties.

Selection of Camellias
Larger plant selection
Garden furniture and decor

01782 796 353 More Info

Camellias