Camellia x williamsii 'Les Jury'

Description: There are many varieties of the popular evergreen Camellia each producing an abundance of showy flowers available in a wide range of colours, and all suitable for the border or woodland garden.

'Les Jury' is a small, bushy, evergreen shrub with dark-green, glossy leaves. It bears shapely double blooms over a long period in April. Good also for growing in pots and containers but do use ericaceous compost (ie low pH without lime).

Climate/Position: Ideally partial shade in a sheltered site. Can tolerate full sun if soil conditions are good (rich in organic matter) but avoid position facing early morning sun as this will burn the flowers in the coldest winter/spring mornings. Reasonable tolerance of coastal conditions.

Height/Spread: 1.5 x 2.5 metres

Soil Requirements: Neutral / acidic soil, rich in organic matter and moisture retentive. It is a good idea to place mulch such as leaf-mould or bark around plants to keep roots cool and promote water retention.

Pruning: Generally avoid pruning. As the flowers of williamsii hybrids shatter then deadheading is not required as with japonica cultivars.

However, if pruning is required for shaping or rejuvenation the plant will respond well to this. Cut back after flowering in late Spring.

Special Requirements:

Partial shade avoiding early morning sun to ensure flowers are not damaged.

The williamsii hybrids originate from the cross of C. saluenensis x C. japonica produced by J C Williams in the early 1930s. With their smaller tougher leaves, they are remarkably hardy even in the most extreme British weather.