Camellia ‘White Swan’

Description

Camellia japonica ‘White Swan’

Camellia japonica ‘White Swan’ is a vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub grown for its elegant single or semi double flowers and handsome year-round foliage. It bears elliptic to ovate, glossy, dark green leaves that provide structure throughout the year, with white blooms carrying prominent yellow anthers appearing in spring. It typically reaches a height and spread of 2.5-4 metres over 10-20 years, developing a columnar, upright habit that suits training against a wall.

This camellia grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil, in full or partial shade with a sheltered aspect. Protect buds and flowers from cold winds and early morning sun, which can damage frost-affected blooms. Feed with a sequestered iron fertiliser in mid-spring and early summer, and use ericaceous compost if growing in containers. Little pruning is needed; deadhead after flowering if required.