Camellia j. 'Bonomiana'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight—ideal under high canopies or east/north-facing aspects. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves and damage buds.

• Soil Preferences: Requires acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH is 5.5–6.5.

• Moisture Needs: Needs evenly moist soil—never waterlogged or completely dry.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring after frost risk has passed or in early autumn while the soil is still warm.

• Spacing: Allow 1.5–2 metres between plants to accommodate mature spread and allow airflow.

• Shelter Needs: Plant in a spot sheltered from strong winds and early morning sun in winter, which can damage frost-covered buds.

• Container Growing: Suited to pots using high-quality ericaceous compost. Choose a container with good drainage and repot every 3–4 years.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with azaleas, rhododendrons, pieris, and other acid-loving plants for layered seasonal colour.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during summer bud formation (July–September).

  • Use rainwater where possible, as tap water can raise soil pH over time.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a specialist camellia/rhododendron feed in early spring after flowering and again in mid-summer.

  • Avoid late-season feeding, which can encourage soft growth prone to frost damage.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead, weak, or crossing branches after flowering in spring.

  • Light shaping can be done after blooms fade.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm layer of ericaceous compost, leaf mould, or pine needles in spring to maintain soil acidity and retain moisture. Keep mulch away from the main stem.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally healthy, but may be susceptible to scale insects, vine weevil, or aphids. Treat promptly if pests appear. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in most areas, but protect container-grown plants in severe frost by moving to a sheltered spot or wrapping with horticultural fleece.

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to keep the shrub tidy and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves provide structure and colour year-round.

• Flowers: Large, semi-double blooms in delicate shades of pale pink with darker pink flecks and streaks, giving a marbled effect. Flowers typically appear from late winter to mid-spring.

• Flowering Season: Long-lasting blooms provide colour at a time when many other plants are dormant.

• Fragrance: Light, subtle scent enhances its charm, especially in sheltered garden corners.

• Wildlife Benefits: Early flowers provide valuable nectar for pollinators emerging in spring.

• Ornamental Value: Offers elegance and colour during late winter and early spring, making it a standout in shaded gardens.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

  • Works beautifully as a specimen shrub in lawns or courtyard gardens.

  • Excellent for large containers on patios or terraces.

• Growth and Size: Slow-growing evergreen shrub, typically reaching 2–3 metres tall with a spread of 1.5–2 metres over many years.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance if planted in the right conditions, often thriving for decades.

• Seasonal Appeal: Evergreen leaves provide interest year-round, with stunning flowers adding a burst of colour in the duller months.

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.