Camellia 'Ardoch'

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.

The flower of 'Ardoch' is a medium size, incomplete double of delicate pink, with two rows of outer petals and a centre of medium size, petaloids and stamens.

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: 3 x 4 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. Removal of dead flowers will enhance the look of the plant after flowering.

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:

Plant using Rootgrow Ericoid Mycorrhizal fungi and Ericaceous compost.  Feed annually with Ericaceous plant feed.  

 

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

This may be listed under a range of confused names which seem to apply including 'Ardouch' and 'Ardouche' which are corruption of Japanese name Arajish which is then listed by the RHS as Camellia japonica subsp. rusticana

Imported from Japan by Mr Zuicke, Victoria, Australia, in 1894 as an unknown variety.