Camellia japonica 'Takanini'

A spreading, evergreen shrub growing to around 2.5m tall and 2m wide depending on pruning.

A lovely camellia with anemone-form double red flowers which turn blueish as they mature. Flowering occurs in May and June. Leaves are leathery and mid to dark green.

Best planted in partial shade with moist but well-drained acidic soil.

Mulch well in spring and water thoroughly during dry periods for the first two or three years. Propagation of cultivars is always from cuttings or by grafting. Prune after flowering to keep plants compact using secateurs to thin and shorten branches, or hedge clippers to promote dense growth. Those with upright habits may be kept slender by training to a single leader and after flowering shortening and thinning lateral branches. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Plants in very acidic soil will benefit from a light application (50g/m2) of dolomite lime every three years.

Check plants in spring for leaf-roller caterpillars, aphids and the nymph stage of thrips. Aphids on other plants can secrete honeydew onto leaves below which in turn grows sooty mould. This is most common when plants are grown in full shade. Camellias are also susceptible to leaf gall.

Camellia Garden

This camellia was bred by renowned New Zealand Camellia breeder, the late Neville Haydon.