Camellia japonica Lovelight

Some plants stop you in your tracks, and Camellia japonica Lovelight is one of them. From mid autumn right through to spring, this large, upright evergreen shrub produces a succession of breathtaking white semi-double flowers, each one centred with a bright cluster of golden yellow stamens that glow against the glossy dark green foliage. It is the kind of plant that makes a garden feel considered and special, whether it is standing alone as a feature, clipped into a formal hedge, or planted beneath a canopy of trees where its shade tolerance really comes into its own.

Lovelight is a fast grower that will reach around 2-4m tall over time, making it an excellent choice for screening, hedging or creating a bold structural presence in the garden. Despite its impressive size and showstopping flowers, it is remarkably easy to care for. Low maintenance, generally trouble free, and happy in a wide range of soil types from clay through to sandy and well drained conditions.

Key Features:

• Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam, sandy and well-drained soils. Prefers a slightly acidic soil pH and good moisture retention, but will not tolerate prolonged waterlogging.
• Light: Semi shade to full shade. Lovelight performs best when protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the flowers and foliage. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
• Watering: Medium to moderate water needs. Keep moist during dry periods, particularly through summer and when the plant is establishing. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering.
• Fertiliser: Apply an annual slow-release fertiliser formulated for camellias or acid-loving plants in late winter or early spring after flowering has finished. Supplement with a liquid feed during the growing season to support vigorous growth and flowering.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering in spring to shape and control size. Mulch well around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds and keep the root zone cool.
• Flowering: Flowers from mid-autumn through to spring, with the main flush typically occurring through winter. Deadhead spent blooms where practical to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage continued flowering.

Lovelight is one of the best Camellias for shady positions. It actually flowers more reliably when protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the blooms. For a formal hedge, plant at 1m spacings and clip lightly after flowering each spring. If you want to encourage a bushier shape, pinch out the growing tips on young plants in the first couple of seasons before the plant gets away on you.

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