Camellia rosthorniana Cupido ('Elina') (PBR)
camellia
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: partial shade (but not east-facing)
- Soil: moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil (or ericaceous compost for container-grown specimens)
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: March to mid-May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Pink buds form along the slender upright stems and open in spring to small white flowers, which have a pinkish-red flush on the outer edges of the petals. The new shoots are red when they first emerge, so these too create another burst of colour as they appear. A compact, evergreen shrub that has an upright pyramidal habit, it makes an excellent specimen for a pot, or will provide structure and colour throughout the year in the shrub border. - Garden care: To prevent damage to the emerging buds and flowers protect from cold, dry winds and early morning sun. Water established plants in dry weather to prevent bud drop. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Top-dress annually with shredded bark or well-rotted leaf mould. After flowering lightly trim or prune any branches that spoil the appearance of the plant. Protect container-grown specimens in winter by wrapping with bubble wrap or hessian.