Camellias as a Hedge

Many camellias are suitable for creating a hedge. A hedge may be low or tall, formal or informal and choosing the right variety is important to achieve the effect you want in a reasonable period of time.

Choose one variety for a formal trimmed hedge, and where an informal look is desired a number of varieties can be used, but is recommended to choose varieties with a similar growth habit.

The distance apart for planting is dependent on your budget and your patience. We find that between 600mm and one metre apart is a good guide.

When establishing your hedge plants, keep the top trimmed and let the branching develop between the plants. Sacrifice the height for the first few years, as this is your best chance to get nice dense foliage at the bottom of your hedge.

Slope the sides slightly so that it is narrower at the top, wider at the base and this will help keep it green and leafy at ground level.

Planting can be at any time, although Autumn is best if you aren't able to water your plants over the first dry Summer periods.

Autumn flowering sasanquas

Generally the foliage of sasanquas is smaller and this works well in creating your hedge effect. In most cases the plants require trimming only once or twice a year.

For exposed situations open to the hot summer sun we generally recommend planting sasanquas. They are also more tolerant of clay soils and will perform better under these conditions.

Japonicas and hybrids

Dark green foliage and winter flowers can make a spectacular hedge, but may take a bit more time to establish.

In most cases this group will establish better if there is shade during some part of the day. Courtyard gardens and on the south, east or west side of a fence will be suitable. Trim after flowering, before the new spring growth to get the best effect next year.

Don't forget to plant with a good slow release fertiliser such as MAGAMP to give them a good start