Don looked at a row of sasanqua camellias growing in a very narrow garden bed alongside a busy road. Because space was so limited, the camellias had been espaliered against the brick wall.
Espaliering means training a tree or shrub to grow against a flat surface. It’s a technique that’s been used in France for centuries, particularly with pear and apple trees, and it makes a lot of sense because it means you can grow what is normally a large tree in a very small area. Sasasqua camellias make very good espaliers. They will grow in most areas of Australia, apart from the hot tropics and inland.
When choosing sasanqua camellias to espalier, look for plants with open, sprawling growth and several leading branches. If you’re espaliering against a wall or fence, remember that some materials (for example Colorbond or dark coloured bricks) can become very hot and will damage the branches of the espaliered plant. In this situation, erect a framework about 30cm (12″) from the wall.
Plant your camellia against the wall or trellis, then tie the branches back in either a symmetrical or informal pattern. In our segment the camellia branches were tied to eye screws anchored into the brick wall with plastic plugs. Ties are needed about every 20cm (8″), and they will have to be loosened and adjusted as the plant grows. Prune regularly to achieve the flat, two dimensional effect which is characteristic of all espaliers, but leave any major pruning until flowering has finished. Creating an espalier is time consuming and takes patience, but the end result is fabulous.