Camellias make excellent shrubs and focal points in well-planned gardens. Common Camellia flowers in early spring and is frost-resistant down to about 57ºF (14ºC). There are half-hardy and tender species to grow if frost is a big problem. Like magnolias, it's a shame to see the resplendent flowers of camellia coming along only to be browned-off overnight by a cold snap.

Common Camellia exists in many other cultivars of red and pink and in double forms, and these often have longer flowering periods through spring. It is worth taking the trouble to find the best cultivar for your garden and to only plant into acid soil.

Looking Good:
Go to the spectacular gardens of Caerhays Estate in Cornwall in early spring to see the camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.

Best With:
Grow an early vigorous clematis through its branches. Try Clematis montana.