Camellia 'Freedom Bell'

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.

'Freedom Bell' is a more diminutive, mid-season cultivar reaching only 2 metres at maturity. It bears crimson semi-double flowers with the petals arching back making them funnel-shaped - produced from late winter to late spring.

Very free flowering as it flowers along the stem.

The compact habit makes it suited to small garden, pots and containers in sheltered site.

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: 2x2 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:

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

Originated in a nursery in California in 1965 but parentage uncertain.