Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

$730.00

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Size: 40cm/45L

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm 90L - Ball Form

Current Stock Height Guides

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 2m to 4m

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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About Your New Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ is an evergreen flowering shrub with formal double blooms in a clear rose pink. The petals sit in even overlapping rows, which gives the flower its precise geometric look. Foliage is dark, glossy and dense right down to the base, and the habit is upright and rounded.

Filtered light suits it, ideally morning sun with afternoon shade. Soil should be acidic to neutral, high in organic matter and free draining. Expect around 20 to 50 cm of growth a year. It tolerates light to moderate frost once established, and performs in cool temperate, warm temperate and elevated subtropical gardens.

Because it stays dense at ground level it works as an informal hedge or a screen along a shaded boundary, as well as a single feature near a seating area. It suits residential courtyards, heritage gardens and shaded commercial planting where the bed has to look presentable in every month of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Betty Ridley Camellia

What is Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’?

It is a japonica camellia cultivar grown for its formal double flowers in a soft rose pink. Like all camellias it is an evergreen broadleaf shrub, originally from east Asia and long established in Australian gardens. The combination of a precise flower shape and dense glossy foliage is what keeps it in demand.

How big does Betty Ridley Camellia grow?

Mature size in the ground is roughly 2 to 4 metres tall by 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide, reached slowly over fifteen years or more. Annual pruning after flowering holds it at whatever height you want. As a clipped hedge most people keep it between 1.5 and 2 metres, where it stays dense and easy to manage.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Space plants 1 to 1.2 metres apart for a hedge that closes up within a few seasons, or 1.5 metres apart for a looser informal screen. Tighter spacing joins faster but the plants compete for water and root space. Prepare the whole trench rather than individual holes so the roots can spread evenly along the line.

Does it need sun or shade?

Half shade is ideal, with sun in the morning and protection through the afternoon. Pale pink flowers mark and brown more readily in strong sun than dark red ones do, so shelter is worth planning for. In cool southern gardens it will accept more direct sun than it would in Sydney or Brisbane.

Is it evergreen or deciduous?

Evergreen. The dark glossy leaves stay on the plant right through the year, and new growth flushes in a lighter green during spring. This makes it useful where you need a permanent visual barrier, since there is no season in which the screen thins out or drops away entirely.

Is it drought tolerant?

Only moderately. An established plant in shaded, mulched soil copes with normal dry summers, but camellias have shallow roots and will drop buds if they dry out badly in late summer when next season's flowers are forming. Deep watering every week or two through hot weather is a better approach than relying on rainfall.

How do I care for Betty Ridley Camellia?

Mulch well, water deeply in summer, and feed with an acid loving plant fertiliser once flowering has finished. Prune to shape at the same time. Remove spent blooms from around the base to reduce petal blight, which shows as brown blotches spreading through the petals. Avoid lime and avoid cultivating the soil over the roots.

Uses in my Garden

Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.

Is Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia Evergreen or Deciduous?

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 2m to 4m

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Is Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia frost tolerant?

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia Flower?

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ produces rich deep red peony-form flowers from winter into spring. The blooms create a bold and luxurious seasonal display against the glossy evergreen foliage, bringing strong ornamental impact to shaded garden spaces.

Does Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Winter
Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Pink

Is Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia an Australian Native Tree?

No

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is Native to

What is the Wildlife Value of Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia ?

Its seasonal flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial pollinators during the cooler months when fewer plants are flowering. The dense evergreen foliage also offers sheltered habitat for small birds and beneficial insects within garden settings.

How much Sunlight does Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia need?

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia will thrive best in:

Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ performs best in rich, well-drained loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate lighter soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture retention and fertility. Avoid alkaline, compacted or waterlogged conditions, as these can reduce nutrient uptake and overall vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain moderate moisture as the plant matures for best flowering performance.

Is Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia Drought Tolerant?

Is Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish evenly, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Betty Ridley’ shows moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods when planted in improved soil, with occasional supplementary watering supporting optimal flowering and foliage quality.

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How To Plant Your Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop, or a large container in a bright spot.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure, or use a premium potting mix in containers.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth in garden beds. For pots, choose a container at least 50 centimetres wide and deep.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil or potting mix, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Pot or container: A 40 to 50 centimetre wide pot suits a single specimen for courtyards, entries and balconies.

Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

Mulching: Apply a 3 to 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone in the garden, or a thin layer of decorative pebbles in pots, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia in Different Soil

Camellia japonica performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What colour are the flowers of Camellia ‘Betty Ridley’?
A: It produces elegant rose-pink double flowers through winter and spring.

Q: Does it prefer shade or sun?
A: Partial shade to filtered sun is ideal, especially in warmer climates.

Q: Can it be grown in pots?
A: Yes, it performs very well in containers with quality potting mix and regular watering.

Q: Is it suitable as a feature plant?
A: Yes, its elegant flowers and evergreen foliage make it an excellent feature shrub.

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Camellia japonica ‘Betty Ridley’ – Betty Ridley Camellia