Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi' give some of the best interest to the garden. They are excellent plants for containers as well as borders.

In late  winter, Camellia japonica 'Lavinia Maggi' give some of the best  interest to the garden.  They are excellent plants for containers as well as borders. http://plantas-y-flores.blogspot.com/

There is a fantastic range of  varieties in shades from palest pink  through to vivid red and both single and  double flowers that stand out against  the dark green evergreen foliage. They are best grown in ericaceous conditions  which can be  achieved by adding ericaceous compost when planting and giving a  regular acid  feed. They are relatively slow growing  reaching about 1.5m (5ft)  in ten years but over time can become a sizable plant.

They are relatively trouble free but must not be allowed  to dry out in the  autumn as the buds form for the following year otherwise they will abort. In an  ericaceous border they are perfect for planting with rhododendrons and azaleas,  which enjoy similar conditions.

Read more: http://www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/plants-of-the-month/Camellia-japonica-Lavinia-Maggi/A2#ixzz1nsaLFThQ