Camellia

Early-flowering varieties to get your garden off to a flying start

Camellias are the doyen of early-flowering shrubs, producing a succession of fabulous waxy-textured flowers nestled among glossy, evergreen leaves, that can, in turn, be demure and understated to bordering on the outrageous. Some are even sweetly scented.

While the main flowering season spans late winter into spring, a number of varieties welcome in the new year with a fanfare of blossom at a time when floral treats are welcome.