Camellia sasanqua ‘Winter’s Snowman’ (camellia) £19.99
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: October to December Hardiness: fully hardy An early flowering camellia, that will produce either semi-double or anemone-form flowers (and sometimes both on the same plant), in autumn and into winter. A useful and decorative evergreen, it has an upright habit that makes it useful for smaller gardens, and as it does not get too big it can be grown in a large pot, provided you make sure it is kept well fed and watered – very handy if your soil is not naturally acidic. 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.