Camellia Mary Williams

A smaller camellia for shade, with rose-pink flowers, Camellia reticulata Mary Williams is a small to medium-sized, vigorous, evergreen shrub with a narrow, upright, bushy habit. The ovate leaves are glossy and deep green. Large, single, rose-pink flowers with golden stamens are borne in early spring. This plant must have decidedly acid soil, and should be planted away from cold, drying winds and early morning sun, or thawing after frosts may damage the buds and flowers. Needs little pruning, apart from deadheading and removal of awkwardly-placed shoots after flowering. Camellia Mary Williams is only for milder, coastal areas, and is good in a woodland planting.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained, or well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil
Position: Full shade or partial shade
Season of interest: Early spring
Hardiness: Hardy to -1 to -5C
Height: 5-8 (1.5-2.5m) Spread: 5-8 (1.5-2.5m) in 10-20 years

Suitable for pots or borders. The large pink flowers bloom between February and April and the shrub reaches a height of around 150cm.

Camellias prefer sunny, protected locations.