Camellia flowers have about five basic groups, single, semi-double, double centre, or incomplete double, informal double and formal double.

Camellia Japonica, varieties prefer a semi-shaded position in preference to full exposure. Some will tolerate the sun, but better results if part shade.

Camellia Sasanqua, C. Hiemalas and C. Vernalis are more sun hardy and can be planted in full sun in most coastal areas, and in the average garden where protected space is limited.

In most coastal areas positions facing an arc ranging from NE through east to SE and SW are preferable. Here plants receive morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Then on the other hand in areas where frost are prevalent in late autumn and winter, early morning sun will cause frost or dew burn on the buds and blooms and it is advisable to locate plants near the protection of eaves, verandahs, trees, etc.

Good drainage is essential for successful camellia culture. Excess water in the soil particles builds up and in time virtually "drowns" the fibrous root system of the camellia by sealing off aeration around the root pores and tips.

Camellias prefer a well aerated soil with a high humus content, and slightly acid in reaction. Purchase of a pH meter if you haven't one. pH scale on the meter is graduated from 0 to14. On this scale the neutral point is fixed at 7. From this point downwards they are classified as acid and from 7 and above they are neutral to alkaline. Camellias as a group have been found to prefer pH number of 5.5 to 5.7, however a few camellias will grow quiet well at 6.5 nearly neutral. Bear in mind the lower the pH number under 7 the stronger the acid content. Too much acid can cause growth and other problems.

Experienced growers have their own preferred soil mixtures for planting. Most top soils are referred to as 'sandy loam', 'medium loam', or just 'clay' or 'heavy loam'. Camellias grow better if the top soil, which is the depth of soil before reaching the sub-clay drainage 'water table' where the natural accumulation of water lies during the wet winter or early spring months, is at least 50cm. For areas that have thinner layers of top soil, build the garden level with humus.

Alba Plena Japonica White, formal double with medium to large blooms. A 'Tip' white blooms if the camellia is not grown in the correct shelted area, can be bruised.

Ave Maria Japonica Silvery pink, formal double. Beautiful delicate camellia. A must to have in the garden.

Debbie Japonica Rose shaded into deeper pink, informal double. Vigorous tall growth.

Elzie Jury Hybrid Peony form camellia with large size flowers. Vigorous tall growth.

Scentsation Japonica Pink, medium blooms which are informal double. Slightly fragrant.

Lady Loch Japonica Light pink veined deep pink fading into white at petal margins. Medium to large, informal double.

Brushfields Yellow Japonica White with creamy yellow petaloids, medium, double centre. Lovely to see this colour for a camellia, it's a change.

Margaret Davis Japonica Creamy white edged rose pink on petal margins. Medium to large informal double blooms.

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	Created by J. Margaret Davis 18 November 1996 Revised 21 August 2007 Graphic made by © J. Margaret Davis Not to be taken.