Pink double camellia - Camellia

March, 1998

When these bright and complicated flowers open in March, it seems that they must have made a mistake, such a bloom surely belongs to the height of summer, yet all over the country these incredible flowers open in the chilliest and windiest of places. As long as they are kept well watered in the summer, and you have patience when buying a young shrub, this bounty will appear, year after year. The two main causes of trouble are dryness in summer, and quick defrosting of the flowers in Spring, keep in light shade so that frozen flowers and buds defrost slowly. Stand back and be delighted and amazed.