Camellias are one of the perfect garden plants in many people's opinion. They flower at Wisley from November (e.g. C. sasanqua hybrids) through to May, offering colour and in some cases fragrance too. And even when not showing off their flambouyant blooms, their evergreen leaves provide a glossy backdrop for other plants.
Battleston Hill and the Wild Garden are full of glorious camellias, and they are providing visitors with a lovely display. But sometimes, the weather can leave its mark on the flowers - typically frosty nights followed by early morning sun on the petals.
Never fear, though. No matter what the weather throws at us, you can still enjoy our wonderful blooms - in the Glasshouse. We've been building up a collection of camellia plants that are container grown and put out on show in late winter. This means that you are guaranteed to see unblemished blooms in the comfort of the Temperate Zone of the Glasshouse. Some of them, such as the cultivar 'Leonard Messel', are dotted around the woodland areas outside. But for others, like the pretty 'Lila Naff' we only have them in this indoor display. There are even a few scented ones, but you'll have to come sniff them out for yourself!
Come and enjoy this beautiful display in the Glasshouse Theatre and Corridor for the next few weeks, until mid March.
p.s. and enjoy the butterflies in the Tropical Zone for an extra week too, until 6 March.
You can find more information about how to grow camellias here.
