- Mature height
- 2m to 4m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Camellia japonica 'Great Eastern' is an Australian raised cultivar from the nineteenth century, still widely planted for its large semi-double rose pink flowers with prominent gold stamens. It grows vigorously into a tall, upright shrub or small tree, with glossy dark foliage that holds condition right through the year.
It takes partial shade to filtered sun and prefers acidic, moisture retentive soil that drains freely. Long established in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide gardens, it copes with light to moderate frost and with moderate summer heat once its roots are down. Annual growth is 20 to 50 centimetres.
The height suits screening along a shaded boundary, informal hedging, or a heritage garden restoration where period accuracy matters. Left unpruned it lifts into a small tree with an attractive trunk and canopy. Buyers get a proven performer with a very long track record in Australian conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Great Eastern Camellia
What is a Great Eastern Camellia?
Great Eastern is an Australian raised japonica dating from the nineteenth century, still one of the most planted pink camellias in the country. The flowers are large and semi-double in rose pink with prominent stamens. Growth is vigorous and upright, eventually forming a tall shrub or a small tree.
How big does Great Eastern grow?
It is one of the larger japonicas, reaching about 3 to 4 metres high and 2 to 3 metres wide, and old specimens in established gardens go higher again. Growth is upright. It can be maintained at 2 metres with annual pruning, or left to lift into a small tree.
How fast does Great Eastern grow?
It grows 20 to 50 centimetres a year and sits at the vigorous end of the camellia range. Establishment takes a season or two, after which growth is steady. Good soil preparation, acidic conditions and reliable summer water make the difference between the bottom and the top of that range.
How far apart should I plant Great Eastern for a screen?
Space plants 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart for a screen, allowing for the eventual width. For a faster result at the expense of long term room, 1 metre spacing works but will need thinning later. Prepare the full planting line with compost rather than digging isolated holes.
Where does Great Eastern grow best in Australia?
It has a long record in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and their surrounding regions, and grows well in coastal and tableland New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, south east Queensland with shade, and the south west of Western Australia. Arid inland and tropical northern climates do not suit it.
Is Great Eastern drought tolerant?
Established plants handle short dry spells better than most japonicas, helped by their size and deeper anchoring roots, but they are not drought plants. Summer moisture drives bud formation for the following winter. A dry summer without watering usually means a thin flowering display the next season.
How do I care for a Great Eastern Camellia?
Mulch the root zone, water deeply through summer, and feed with a camellia and azalea fertiliser after flowering. Prune in spring if you want to control the height or lift the canopy. In humid coastal gardens, rake up fallen petals to reduce camellia petal blight carrying over.
