Camellia japonica 'Volunteer' (PBR)
camellia
The large flowers of this exquisite camellia open from bud in mid- to late winter. Initially a soft pink with a lighter edge, the flowers look as though they have been dusted with icing sugar. As they age, the flower colour deepens, but the petal tips remain light, so the two-tone effect becomes more prominent.
Camellia japonica 'Volunteer' (PBR) is a reltively compact cultivar, so if you're prepared to keep it well watered, then it is possible to keep it in a large pot on the patio.
Camellia japonica 'Volunteer' (PBR) is a reltively compact cultivar, so if you're prepared to keep it well watered, then it is possible to keep it in a large pot on the patio.
How to care for Camellia japonica Volunteer (PBR):
Plant spring-flowering camellias in acidic, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Choose a sheltered spot in partial shade, ideally out of cold, drying winds and away from early morning sun, which can scorch flower buds.
Container-grown plants should be potted into ericaceous compost and kept well-watered, especially in dry spells, to prevent bud drop. Ensure good drainage in the pots to avoid waterlogging. Avoid allowing them to dry out in late summer, as this is when flower buds are forming for the following year.
Feed established plants with a balanced liquid (and preferably ericaceous) fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Apply an annual top-dressing of leaf mould or shredded bark to help retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Pruning is generally minimal — after flowering, trim lightly to remove any dead or straggly growth and to maintain a neat shape.
For container plants, insulate pots in winter with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Container-grown plants should be potted into ericaceous compost and kept well-watered, especially in dry spells, to prevent bud drop. Ensure good drainage in the pots to avoid waterlogging. Avoid allowing them to dry out in late summer, as this is when flower buds are forming for the following year.
Feed established plants with a balanced liquid (and preferably ericaceous) fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Apply an annual top-dressing of leaf mould or shredded bark to help retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Pruning is generally minimal — after flowering, trim lightly to remove any dead or straggly growth and to maintain a neat shape.
For container plants, insulate pots in winter with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
2m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
2 litre pot
£24.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
1
