Camellias for Sale in New Zealand NZ

Espalier (Es-pah-lee-yay) is a horticultural term derived from the French word for trellis, and is used to describe a plant that has been trained to grow flat against a trellis or wall. This is particularly desirable when space is limited, because, as we know, Camellias can be ‘space gluttons’, and in smaller gardens the solution for lovers of Camellias is to grow them using this technique.

When selecting a plant for use as an espalier, look for one with open, sprawling growth and several leading branches. Plant the camellia against the wall or trellis, then tie the branches back in the desired position using soft plastic ties or twine – don’t use wire as it can cut into the branches. Prune off any unnecessary growth, training the leaders to grow horizontally or at an upward angle, with the best displays generally being symmetrical. Try to keep any major pruning until after flowering and your espalier will reward you year after year with a display of flowers that will always be in clear view.

Most sasanqua varieties are suitable, although any camellia can be trained as an espalier.  


  

The word espalier initially referred to the actual trellis on which the plant was trained to grow, but over time has come to be used to describe the technique. An espalier collects almost as much sunlight as a regular tree, yet has far less mass. This makes them ideal not only for decorative purposes, but also for gardens in which space is limited. They may also be planted next to a wall, which can reflect more sunlight and retain heat overnight, or be planted so that they are facing north and absorb maximum sunlight. These two factors allow an espalier to succeed in cooler climates, where a non-espaliered tree of the same variety would fail.

Varieties that can be successfully espaliered:

Rosaflora Cascade

Wirlinga Bride

Early Pearly

Mine No Yuki



 

Camellias are remarkably tolerant and adaptable and are invaluable for hedging, screening, background planting. They trim well and can provide flowers from as early as March through to November. Many have a delicate fragrance.

Stds 80cm

Camellia hybrids are particular combinations offering the very best attributes of Camellia japonica, sasanqua and reticulata. They provide the modern gardener with exquisite flower, form, foliage and often a hint of fragrance.

Many new releases in the Camellia world are hybrids, some of which have been bred right here in New Zealand. We currently have 50 Camellia hybrids to choose from. They range from "Quintessence" which has a low, spreading habit, making it ideal for pots and baskets to the showy upright "Dreamboat" that has large, gay, frilly double blooms of brightest pink and just about every variance in-between.

Well it doesn't take much to guess where these invaluable garden plants come from - the name says it all. Though most varieties do in fact originate from Japan, Japonicas can also be found in Korea and China. In Asia, Japonicas have been cultivated for their ornamental value for over 300 years. The Western world embraced and continued this cultivation from the 19th century onwards starting with chosen seedlings. Their popularity is such that there are now literally thousands to choose from.  

The flower type is wide and varied and you will often see them described as Single, Semi-double, Formal, Peony, Anemone and Rose form. Try not to get confused by all of that and simply make your choices from what apeals when you see the plants are in flower at the nursery or by browsing our website. As beauty really is in the eye of the beholder it is simply a matter of personal taste.  




The flower size can be as small as 5cm across or as large as 20cm. Flowering time varies too;  however with careful selection you can have japonicas in bloom from autumn through to spring. The colour range is white, cream, pink, (in all its variances) right through to red. There are even striped and two-tone blooms for a more eccentric look. The foliage is strong, glossy and dark green.

In summary, Camellia japonicas are top performing, undemanding, value-for-money garden plants that will reward you year after year for very little effort. What more could you ask for?

Reticulatas are the "look at me" show off queens of the Camellia world. Their flowers are so large and spectacular you can't help but stop and admire their bountiful blowsy beauty. Originally from China where they have been valued for centuries, Reticulatas are a relatively recent part of Western horticultural history.  

Reticulatas generally commence blooming around about May. They have quite an upright growth habit and an open framework of branches and foliage. The leaves are very large, glossy and leathery. Find a place in the garden where you want to make a strong statement and your chosen Camellia reticulata won't hesitate to make it for you, even on the gloomiest winter day.

This variety of Camellia is so fantastic and versatile you're definitely going to want some for your garden. So let's start with how to pronounce the name - "Sa - sang - kwa". Now you can be sure you'll be shown the right plant when you head into the nursery - and the boys will be impressed!  

Originating in Japan these Camellias are known as the "Autumn Camellia" as they start flowering from as early as March. The flowers are usually quite small, often single and produced in such profusion it is sometimes difficult to see the foliage. Many have a soft delicate fragrance. The leaves are small, dainty and quite pointed. When the new foliage emerges towards spring it is quite soft and sensual with warm bronzy tones, which eventually mature to the more familiar glossy dark green. Despite the beauty of the flowers it is the foliage which provides the versatility so loved by landscape designers and gardeners all over the world.   





Sasanqua Camellias are extremely tolerant of being shaped, cliped, twisted and tied. They are ideal for hedges, screens, espalier, topiary, growing in a container etc. etc. Or you can simply use them as a foliage (and flower) backdrop for your borders and shrubberies. Sasanquas are fast growing and probably the most sun tolerant of all the Camellias so you can be a little more random when choosing your planting position. We rate these plants very highly and consider them to be an essential element of any planting scheme.

Species Camellias remain true to their origins as their essential qualities are the same today as they were when the plants first evolved. In their natural habitat they form part of the under-canopy of large forests. For centuries the seeds of species Camellias have been harvested to produce cosmetic and culinary oil. The wood has been used for fuel as it makes a high grade charcoal and, of course Camellia sinensis was and still is used to make the drink that I personally can't function without: TEA!  

In the garden, Species Camellias offer you an incredibly hardy plant with graceful foliage, dainty blooms which are almost always fragrant and a growth structure which is very natural. They make excellent small evergreen trees when left to their own devices; equally they adapt well to any creative trimming you may wish to do.  





A personal favourite of mine is Camellia Roseflora which has exquisite little shell pink blossoms that float gently to the ground and land upright ensuring their beauty can be admired as they gently fade away. Camellia Transnokoensis is another firm favourite with its tiny pointed bright pink buds that open to exquisite single flowers that are blush white. The flowers are produced en masse and have a delightful fragrance.  

If you are keen to have Camellias in your garden (and why wouldn't you be) then it is well worth considering a Species Camellia for its enduring, understated beauty.

 

Check back soon for more information!