Don looks at one of his all time favourite camellias, ‘Yuletide’. In Australia this plant produces stunning red flowers from March to July, but in the northern hemisphere its flower display coincides with the Christmas season.
Plant details
Common name: Camellia ‘Yuletide’
Botanic name: Camellia x vernalis ‘Yuletide’
Description: ‘Yuletide’ has single, glowing ember red flowers with prominent yellow stamens. The bush is upright, and has dense, glossy green foliage.
Best look: formal or informal hedge screen containers and tubs
Best climate: ‘Yuletide’ will grow in most areas apart from the hot tropics and inland. In areas with alkaline soils (such as around Adelaide), camellias may need to be grown in containers with potting mix for acid loving plants.
Good points: beautiful red flowers compact, upright bush shiny green foliage attracts nectar feeding birds
Downside: slow growing
Care: Sasanqua camellias prefer a slightly acid, humus rich soil with good drainage. They will grow in either full sun or partial shade. Fertilise in spring with camellia and azalea food, and mulch with compost or milled cow manure.
Getting started:
Sasanqua camellias cost around $17 (200mm or 8″ pots) or $48 for more advanced plants (300mm or 12″ pots). They are available at nurseries and specialist camellia nurseries around Australia, including:
New South Wales
Camellia Grove,
8 Cattai Ridge Road,
Glenorie 2157
Ph: 9652 1200
Queensland
Hawkins Gardenway,
1666 Old Cleveland Road,
Chandler, 4155
Phone: (07) 3390 1633
Fax: (07) 3390 1618
South Australia
Newman’s Nursery,
PO Box 10,
St Agnes, 5097.
Phone: (08) 8264 2661
Western Australia
John Cole’s Nursery,
Lot 5, Beenyup Road,
Banjup, 6164.
Phone: (08) 9417 6164