Camellia Yuletide

A sasanqua-hybrid camellia, suitable for the medium-sized or  larger garden, Camellia x vernalis Yuletide is an evergreen, narrow shrub, with leathery, simple, deep green leaves. The flowers are single, brilliant red with a boss of golden stamens, appearing for advent until early January. If you want to grow it in a generous-sized pot, use soil-based ericaceous compost. Water well in dry weather, so the buds don’t fall off. Fertilise with ericaceous feed in spring and again in June, and top-dress annually with shredded bark or well-rotted leaf-mould. Good in a sheltered courtyard, cottage, or woodland garden.

Site: Sheltered from cold, drying winds
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil
Position: Partial shade to full shade
Season of interest: All year, winter in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  8’-13’ (2.5-4m) Spread: 5’-8’ (1.5-2.5m) in 5-10 years