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Camellia japonica 'Doctor King'
camellia
- Position: partial shade (but not east-facing) - Soil: moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil (or ericaceous compost...
Plant description
- Position: partial shade (but not east-facing) - Soil: moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil (or ericaceous compost for container-grown specimens) - Rate of growth: average - Flowering period: February to April - Hardiness: fully hardy
Get the growing season off to a great start with this compact evergreen, which starts to produce its large, semi-double flowers from late winter onwards. The petals have a slightly ruffled appearance, and these frame a cluster of golden stamens, which are more prominent on some of the flowers. It makes a handsome addition to a large pot (filled with ericaceous compost), and even when not in bloom, the lustrous foliage will offer year-round colour.
- Garden care: To prevent damage to the emerging buds and flowers protect from cold, dry winds and early morning sun. Water established plants in dry weather to prevent bud drop. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Top-dress annually with shredded bark or well-rotted leaf mould. After flowering lightly trim or prune any branches that spoil the appearance of the plant.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Light shade
Rate of growth
Slow growing
Soil
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Camellia japonica Doctor King:
GOES WELL WITH
Japanese
Make the most of over 3000 years of gardening tradition by creating an oriental-style garden. Originally designed as a place for intellectual contemplation and meditation, they are an ideal sanctuary from the pressures of modern living. Japanese gardens a
Read full articleBud blast
Dried up buds fail to open then turn hard and brown. They are covered lots of tiny black bristly growths, which are full of spores. The plant is healthy in all other respects. The plants most commonly affected include rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
Read full articleBud drop
Buds form, sometimes to their full size and then drop off with no apparent reason. A period of dry weather while the buds are forming usually causes this. Camellia and rhododendrons are more susceptible and a few days of drought at the end of the summer c
Read full articleApril pruning of trees, shrubs and
climbers
Many shrubs, trees and climbers are showing signs of growth, so it is an ideal time to check them over for winter damage. If you feel they need a little care and attention, here are a few notes to use as a pruning guide. during April.
Read full article