Autumn Camellia 'Hugh Evans'

Camellia sasanqua 'Hugh Evans' is a highly valued evergreen shrub in the UK, particularly for its ability to provide vibrant colour when most other plants are entering dormancy. Unlike the more common spring-flowering Camellias, this variety blooms from late autumn through to mid-winter. It produces a mass of single, bright rose-pink flowers with prominent central bosses of golden yellow stamens. The flowers have a delicate, sweet fragrance and are elegantly displayed against small, glossy, dark green leaves. This cultivar has a graceful, slightly arching habit and is relatively fast-growing, making it suitable for training against a wall or using as a screen. While hardy (H4), it prefers a sheltered spot away from cold, drying winds and requires acidic soil. For best results in Britain, plant it in a position that receives morning sun followed by afternoon shade, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Oct, Nov, Dec.