Camellia Winter's Toughie

Camellia hybrid Winter’s Toughie

This lovely autumn flowering camellia has lavender-pink, slightly scented, semi-double flowers from October and into early winter. It gets its name from the exceptionally cold hardy flower buds, so is an ideal choice for colder regions. It belong to a species group known as sasanqua, which are less well known than their spring flowering japonica cousins and the flowers are smaller, but more prolific.

The vigorous, upright evergreen foliage will provide year-round interest and a pop of colour just as most flowers in the garden are fading. Plant in a mixed shrub border to add some blooms from autumn into winter. Great choice for woodland gardens or planted as a screen or hedge. Grow in a shelter position with some protection from cold winds in acid to neutral well drained soil. Prune after flowering in late spring, either lightly for a larger, relaxed shape, or hard for a smaller, compact form.

Hybrid of Camellia oleifera & sasanqua
Eventual height & spread: 2m x 2m
Flowering: Early autumn (budded in season)
Aspect: Sheltered, partial or dappled shade
Soil type: acidic (no lime) / well drained / ericaceous
Winter hardy to -10C
Supplied height: 20-30cm