Camellia 'Winter's Toughie'
camellia 'Winter's Toughie'
- 1.5 litre pot
- £24.99
- available to order from autumn
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- 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: slow
- Flowering period: October to December
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Even winter's icy grasp has a tough time conquering Camellia 'Winter's Toughie', with buds so hardy that abundant blooms burst forth as autumn makes way for winter's chill. This vigorous evergreen beauty flaunts rich, glossy leaves, the perfect backdrop for the delightful and lightly scented, semi-double flowers. The thin yet resilient petals, curving into loosely open blooms with fluted edges, defy all but the worst that the cold weather can conjure.
Whether in a partially shaded border or trained against a wall or trellis in neutral to acid soils, this resilient Camellia adorns bare spaces with persistent blooms when little else dares to flower.
Whether in a partially shaded border or trained against a wall or trellis in neutral to acid soils, this resilient Camellia adorns bare spaces with persistent blooms when little else dares to flower.
For autumn- and winter-flowering camellias, plant in acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, in a spot sheltered from cold winds. Unlike spring-flowering types, they prefer a sunnier position but still benefit from some protection from early morning sun, particularly in frosty conditions.
Container-grown plants should be potted in ericaceous compost and protected during harsh weather. Ensure good drainage in the pots to avoid waterlogging.
Water during dry spells, especially while buds are forming, and feed with an ericaceous fertiliser in early spring and again in early summer. After flowering, lightly prune to maintain shape and remove any untidy growth. Top-dress annually with leaf mould or pine bark mulch to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity.
For container plants, insulate pots in winter with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Container-grown plants should be potted in ericaceous compost and protected during harsh weather. Ensure good drainage in the pots to avoid waterlogging.
Water during dry spells, especially while buds are forming, and feed with an ericaceous fertiliser in early spring and again in early summer. After flowering, lightly prune to maintain shape and remove any untidy growth. Top-dress annually with leaf mould or pine bark mulch to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity.
For container plants, insulate pots in winter with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
