- Mature height
- 2m to 4m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Camellia japonica ‘Ardoch’ is an evergreen shrub grown for large formal red blooms set against thick glossy leaves. The habit is dense and upright, broadening to a rounded outline with age. Flowers are held well clear of the foliage, so the winter to spring display is easy to read from across a garden.
It grows steadily at around 20 to 50 cm a year in filtered light, with protection from harsh afternoon sun. Acidic, free draining soil enriched with compost gives the best result, and the root zone should stay cool and evenly moist. Established plants take light to moderate frost and short dry spells in their stride.
Plant it as a specimen in a shaded courtyard, as a soft evergreen screen along a boundary, or as an understorey layer beneath established trees. Landscapers reach for it where a bed needs body and a long flowering season without much upkeep. One plant covers structure, flower and privacy at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ardoch Camellia
What is Camellia japonica ‘Ardoch’?
‘Ardoch’ is a japonica camellia cultivar, an evergreen shrub with large formal double flowers in a rich red. It belongs to the Theaceae family and is not an Australian native. The leaves are broad, leathery and glossy, and the plant builds a dense upright frame that holds its shape without much intervention.
How fast does Ardoch Camellia grow?
Expect about 20 to 50 cm of new growth a year, which puts it in the moderate range for a shrub. Growth is fastest in the first few years after planting while the framework is being built, then slows as the plant fills out. Good soil preparation and steady summer water make the biggest difference.
How big does it get?
Left unpruned it reaches around 2 to 4 metres tall and 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide at maturity. Most garden plants sit at the lower end of that range because they are trimmed after flowering. If you want a low shrub, prune annually from the start rather than cutting back hard once it is large.
Where does it grow best in Australia?
It performs across cool temperate and warm temperate districts, so Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart and the tablelands all suit it. It also grows in elevated subtropical areas such as the Blue Mountains and the Dandenongs. In hot dry inland gardens it needs shade, wind protection and reliable irrigation to do well.
Is it evergreen or deciduous?
It is evergreen and holds its foliage all year, which is why camellias are used so widely for screening and structure. Older leaves shed gradually rather than in one seasonal drop, so the plant never looks bare. Some leaf yellowing in late winter is normal and usually corrects with a feed after flowering.
How do I prune it?
Prune immediately after the last flowers drop, which gives the plant the whole growing season to set buds for next winter. Take out dead or crossing wood first, then shorten leggy shoots to an outward facing bud. Camellias respond well to light annual trimming and can be cut back harder if a plant has become sparse.
How do I care for Ardoch Camellia?
Keep a 75 mm layer of organic mulch over the shallow root system and water deeply during dry weather rather than lightly and often. Feed with a camellia and azalea fertiliser in spring after flowering, and again in autumn in poorer soils. Check the undersides of leaves for scale, and avoid disturbing the soil around the base.
