Camellia Japonica ‘Doctor King’

– 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.