On misty mornings in the Macedon Ranges, there is nothing more picturesque than the blossoms of camelia’s glowing softly, transforming the garden into a serene, year-round sanctuary. Bringing timeless elegance to the garden, their glossy green leaves frame exquisite blooms. Whether it’s Camellia japonica or the cascading flowers of Camellia sasanqua, they add colour and charm even in the cooler months. Come spring, you'll be delighted you planted camellias, as they burst into a stunning array of colours bringing romance and structure to any garden.
What are the best varieties in the Macedon ranges
One of our favourites for the Macedon ranges in the beautiful Camellia sasanqua. With its beautiful flowers, glossy green leaves and hardy nature, sasanqua is a perfect pick for our beautiful but harsh conditions. You’ll have plenty of birds and insects in your garden for half the year with blooms from summer to late autumn.
Planting and Growing conditions
When you’re ready to plant your camellia, remember to find a spot in your garden that has part sun/part shade, with enough space for your camellia’s to grow potentially up to 5m high. Depending on the variety you choose, camellia’s can grow from 2-5m high. Be sure to double check how much space you will need, one of our helpful staff at the nursery can help you if you ever need advice. Additionally, ensure to keep the soil moist up to a foot deep so that it will have great bud growth. If you struggle with this, add up to 3 inches of mulch above the surface to help moisture retention.
Companion plants:
One way to help your plants without needing extra time and attention, is to choose the companion plants in your garden beds wisely. Hydrangeas and rhododendrons are great companion plants for camellia’s as they provide shade and complement each others' conditions. Additionally, camellia’s do a lot better when planted near deciduous trees instead of evergreen trees. This way, when they lose their leaves, the winter sun can get through and provide warmth to the soil below, while the leaves act as a natural mulch.
Care and maintenance
To keep your camellias thriving, proper fertilisation and soil care are essential. These acid-loving plants prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In early spring, apply a specialised camellia or azalea fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.
Slow-release organic options, such as blood and bone, Organic fertiliser pellets or composted manure, help improve soil structure while providing nutrients. Liquid seaweed or fish emulsion can be used throughout the growing season to boost root health and resilience. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. With the right feeding routine, your camellias will reward you with lush leaves and abundant blooms year after year.
Camellias are an amazing natural beauty which adds value to any garden! With a little time and consideration your camellia’s will be blooming before you know it. Remember to tag us in any photos from our nursery or you can always contact our amazing team on our social media channels.
Insta: @riddellscreeknursery
Facebook: Riddells Creek Nursery
TikTok: @riddellscreeknursery_