Forum Topic

Camellias in Chiswick

Anyone growing camellias in their gardens? Have long admired those at Chiswick House, and in the gardens too. Note they ideally need acidic soil, but I suspect it’s alkaline clay round here and that said, they seem to do just fine outdoors in the gardens. I’ve mailed Chiswick House to see if they still sell them, fancy one for a bare spot in the front garden. Any tips or advice please?https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/A4-Camellia-Trail-FINAL-2022.pdf

Russell Pearson ● 89d8 Comments

Allium that should be lmaohttps://www.rhsplants.co.uk/plants/_/shades-of-purple-allium-collection/classid.2000025381/

Russell Pearson ● 83d

Ordered one from Nunhead Gardener, yesterday, and just arrived, delivered ion a push bike in a paper carrier bag. Superb quality by the looks of it. Bought some Ericaceous compacts earlier today. https://thenunheadgardener.com/I see RHS have sale on for ileum bulbs 🤔

Russell Pearson ● 83d

Yes I have bought many good plants from them. I have one or two ones that do not seem to mind the soil not really being acidic enough - one is "Robert Loser " with very good flowers if watered well in March. I also have some in pots on my roof and thro old teabags on to the soil which seems to have quite a good acidic effect

Joy Skinner ● 83d

I have one that I bought online from RHS. I missed the one I left behind in the last garden so much, I just had to have another. It's grown well In the pot and I acidify the soil using bracken leaves. That was a tip from BBC Radio 4 GQ time. At first we brought back bracken leaves when out in the country, though  we were warned to watch out for snakes! The bracken easily seeds itself, but is useful if you're not in a position to buy acidic soil.Buying direct from the RHS supports the charity and I've found the plants to be in good condition.

Katrina Black ● 88d

I bet the varieties with the best flowers have the ones that stay on…🤔

Russell Pearson ● 89d

I think you should be fine by just digging a hole and planting them in. I have.A thing to look out for is if they 'die well'.That is to say that, when over,the flowers drop to the ground. With some varieties the flowers stay on the plant and turn an ugly shriveled brown.

Adrian Irving ● 89d

Yes, I’m hoping I can do similar camillia…

Russell Pearson ● 89d

I have two very large ones in my garden. Probably planted ages ago by a previous owner

david ward ● 89d