Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

$600.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 50cm

50cm 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

50cm: Enquire within for height guide inf
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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: Naturally grows 2m to 4m (approx.) (Topiary height is maintained by pruning)

Mature Width: 2.0m to 2.5m

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

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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Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' is an evergreen shrub presented here as a clipped topiary ball. Large pure white semi-double flowers open from late winter into spring against deep green glossy leaves. The contrast between white flower and dark foliage is the whole point of the cultivar, and the clipped form keeps the display neat and contained.

Partial shade with morning sun gives the best result, since strong afternoon light marks white camellia petals. Soil should be free draining, slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Growth is slow to moderate at about 20 to 40 centimetres a year. Light to moderate frost is tolerated once established, and cool to warm temperate districts suit it.

Use these balls where a formal note is wanted, flanking a doorway, repeated down a path, set into a courtyard bed or standing in a pot on a shaded terrace. They also work as full stops at either end of a hedge run. Plants shaped in advance let a landscape read as complete from the day of handover.

Frequently Asked Questions

About White Nun Camellia

What is Camellia japonica 'White Nun'?

It is a white flowering cultivar of the common camellia, grown here as a clipped topiary ball. The blooms are large, semi-double and pure white, opening in late winter and spring over glossy deep green foliage. The plant is evergreen, long lived and slow growing, which is exactly what makes it hold a clipped shape so well.

How big are the White Nun topiary balls?

The 50 centimetre size carries a head of roughly 50 to 60 centimetres across, and the 100 litre size around 70 to 90 centimetres. Both are held at that size with regular trimming. Unclipped and left alone the plant would slowly build to a natural shrub of 3 to 4 metres over many years.

When does White Nun Camellia flower?

Flowering runs from late winter into spring, generally July through October across southern Australia. Buds open progressively over about two months rather than all at once. White camellia petals bruise more visibly than coloured ones, so a position sheltered from driving rain and harsh sun keeps the flowers looking clean for longer.

Does it need sun or shade?

Partial shade with morning sun is best. Camellia japonica evolved as an understorey plant and its foliage burns in strong exposed sun, while white flowers in particular discolour quickly under afternoon heat. An eastern aspect, a shaded courtyard, or a position under high open canopy all give good results.

Does it have invasive roots?

No. Camellias produce a fibrous, relatively shallow root system with no aggressive spreading habit, so they are safe to plant near paving, walls, drainage and service lines. The trade off is that those surface roots dislike competition and dry out quickly, which is why mulch and consistent watering matter more than they would for a deeper rooted shrub.

Can it grow in pots?

Yes. A container 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single ball for an entry, courtyard or balcony. Use a free draining camellia or azalea potting mix and keep the drainage holes clear. Potted camellias dry out fast in summer and need watering two or three times a week during hot weather.

How do I care for and trim White Nun topiary?

Trim two or three times a year, taking only soft new growth, with the main shaping done as soon as flowering ends. Never cut back hard into old bare wood, since camellias are slow to reshoot from it. Feed with a camellia fertiliser after that prune, mulch the root zone, and water deeply through summer.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Australian Native

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Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Shrubs
Feature Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Japanese Inspired – serene balance of form, foliage, and flow.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls Evergreen or Deciduous?

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: Naturally grows 2m to 4m (approx.) (Topiary height is maintained by pruning)

Mature Width: 2.0m to 2.5m

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

Is Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls frost tolerant?

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls Flower?

Camellia japonica ‘White Nun’ produces elegant pure white formal double flowers from late winter into spring. The pristine blooms contrast beautifully with the glossy dark-green foliage, creating a refined and highly ornamental seasonal display—perfect for clipped topiary forms.

Does Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Winter
Spring

Flower Type:

Semi-double

Flower Colour:

White

Is Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls an Australian Native Tree?

No

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is Native to Japan and Korea, where Camellia japonica grows naturally in forest margins and shaded woodland areas..

What is the Wildlife Value of Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls ?

Its cool-season blooms provide nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators such as native bees and hoverflies, while the dense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting space for small birds. The topiary form also enhances structured garden habitats that support wildlife activity.

How much Sunlight does Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls need?

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Camellia japonica ‘White Nun’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic conditions. It may struggle in alkaline or poorly drained soils unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and moisture balance. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the plant matures to support robust flowering and evergreen foliage, especially when maintained as a clipped topiary.

Is Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls Drought Tolerant?

Is Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Camellia ‘White Nun’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods and appreciates shelter from hot, drying winds to preserve flower quality and foliage health.

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How To Plant Your Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

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

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

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

Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

Slow Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Camellia japonica 'White Nun' Balls

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: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

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 'White Nun' Balls 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to prune the topiary? Annually, after the flowering period.
Which fertilizer should I use? Fertilize with camellia-specific nutrients in spring and autumn.