• The genus Camellia species is native to extensive areas of tropical and subtropical Eastern and Southern Asia, extending from the Himalayas, to Japan, Indonesia, and East and Southern China. It belongs to the family Theaceae. In these areas it grows in the subtropical understory with cool temperatures and steady rainfall. It is also found growing in association with Rhododendrons and Azaleas. About 220 species of Camellia have been described, and over 26000 cultivars have been developed by hybridization and propagation.

•  All tea, whether green, white, matcha, Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling, Oolong or Kenyan it is derived from the same plant Camellia Sinesis.It  was initially grown and brewed in China. It was also discovered in North India by elephants which consumed the Camelia sinensis plant resulting in extra energy and vitality. Humans soon followed with tea brewing.
• Camelias are generally considered to be shrubs with thick serrated glossy leaves and beautiful multiple flowers. To grow them successfully it is important to carefully consider their placement and position in your garden.  Even at Brisbane Botanical Garden their initial placement was not suitable and needed to be changed to a shaded or part shaded area with cooler temperature and an acidic soil ( ph. of 6.00-6.5,) with good water drained .Some Camellias struggle with QLD`s climate, especially the heat and humidity.

Camellia Sasangua 

This type of Camellia is good for SE Qld with the heat and humidity. It is the first Camellia to flower, which occurs in early winter. It produces multiple flowers and can lose these flowers on mass creating a carpet of petals. The flowers can be fragrant attracting bees. If growing as a hedge, consider pruning after planting to encourage thick growth at the base.

Camellia Japonica

This Camilla usually flowers in winter. It also needs part shade to grow well.It is the most commonly grown cultivar probably it produces very interesting and varied flowers, from large to very small. They are not commonly fragrant. They grow well at a soil ph of 6.5.

Camellia Reticulata 

This group of Camellias produce large, beautiful saucer sized flowers from   8-12 cm in Size, known as the showstoppers. They can also grow and develop into become large trees, therefore it is not helpful to prune them. require part shade and are difficult to propagate.

How to select a good place to grow your Camellia 

• It is not often where you think, or where it would be lovely.
• If Azaleas or Rhododendrons are already thriving in that part of your garden, then that is a good place.
• Part Shade with well drained soil, note it is not drought tolerant.
• Acidic soil 

How to plant your Camellia

• Dig a hole deeper and wider than the root ball.
• Break up the root ball gently.
• Mix compost, horse manure and gravel (to assist water drainage)
• Plant it proud, above the surrounding area and water line
• Fertilize with Kahoona( for acid loving plants)
• Mulch to reduce the temperature.

Camellias produce beautiful cut flowers, arranged below in an Ohara 

arrangement and a Sogetsu arrangement