Camellia vegetation deliver flowers to the backyard in a time that’s typically free from flowers, the late winter and early spring. And whereas that makes them stars in their very own proper, that doesn’t imply camellias don’t like companions! In terms of designing a backyard, take a look at this lovely collection of companion vegetation for camellias.
What Are Companion Vegetation?
Companion planting consists of planting a few totally different species collectively to deliver advantages to every plant. Usually, companion vegetation are primarily used to boost the great thing about your fundamental decorative vegetation. They will also be used to draw useful pollinators and deter pests or weeds.
10 Lovely Companion Vegetation for Camellias
1. Japanese Maple
Camellia vegetation develop greatest in a little bit of shade, so you’ll be able to tuck considered one of these flowering vegetation beneath the cover of a extra distinguished Japanese maple. Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t have room for a taller tree, you’ll be able to choose a dwarf selection to plant alongside your camellia—simply search for a spread that grows nicely in part-shade.
Whereas the camellia actually shines within the late winter or early fall, the Japanese maple lights up the backyard in the summertime and fall with its colourful and beautiful foliage. Relying on the cultivar, leaves could vary from lime inexperienced to crimson to deep purple.
2. Azalea
Whereas camellia vegetation add magnificence to the backyard year-round, they solely produce colourful blooms through the cooler months. Planting azaleas, which bloom within the late spring or early summer season, helps preserve your backyard brimming with vivid flowers all through a lot of the yr. They will additionally work nicely to enhance a camellia flower hedge if you happen to’re in search of a bit privateness.
Very similar to camellias, azaleas are available all totally different sizes and colours. Subsequently, you’ll need to think about which species and selection you select earlier than planting it in your backyard.
Since azaleas choose full solar or half shade and camellias choose at the least some shade, it’s greatest to plant these vegetation in an space with dappled mild or afternoon shade.
3. Japanese Flowering Cherry
In the event you’d like to stay with the theme of East Asian vegetation and delicate flowers, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with a Japanese flowering cherry. These small timber produce a great deal of white or pink blooms within the early to mid-spring.
Relying on the kind of camellia you choose, the 2 vegetation’ flowers could overlap or simply miss one another. And when these two vegetation are achieved flowering, you’ll be able to proceed to take pleasure in their sleek shapes and soothing foliage.
These two are additionally a superb pair since Japanese flowering cherry foliage offers a welcome shade to the smaller camellia plant.
4. Wild Ginger
Whereas tropical ginger grows tall leaves, wild ginger is a groundcover with heart-shaped leaves. This plant thrives in shady circumstances, which makes it a terrific candidate for planting beneath camellia vegetation.
Wild ginger shortly spreads, so all it’s a must to do is plant one plant, and also you’ll quickly have a thick groundcover. This not solely helps create a lovely backyard but additionally helps preserve moisture for the camellia plant.
5. Hellebore
For these seeking to create a backyard pocket that’s gorgeous within the late winter and early spring, pair camellia and hellebore. The hellebore, often known as Lenten rose, grows a couple of foot tall and produces nodding rose-like blooms beneath its umbrella-like leaves.
Hellebore appears to be like gorgeous, planting in patches to kind a tall groundcover. And since these vegetation thrive within the shade, you’ll be able to tuck them beneath the taller camellia vegetation.
6. Hosta
Hostas are one other group of shade-loving vegetation that look beautiful tucked beneath camellias. Whereas some think about the hosta’s tall flower spikes fairly tall, their lush inexperienced leaves assist create a verdant panorama.
When you’ve got a number of camellias rising in opposition to a home or wall, attempt tucking a row of hostas in entrance of the taller vegetation. You possibly can even plant numerous forms of hostas that adjust in colour and dimension as a way to improve the feel in your backyard.
7. Bleeding Coronary heart
The bleeding coronary heart is one other woodland shrub that may thrive in the identical part-shade circumstances because the camellia. This plant produces vivid pink flowers within the late spring, simply after camellias are achieved blooming.
Bleeding coronary heart vegetation max out at about one to 3 toes tall, so you’ll be able to tuck them in entrance of or beneath bigger camellia vegetation.
8. Creeping Phlox
In the event you’re in search of a groundcover that can present some colour with out taking up the remainder of your backyard, think about creeping phlox. This plant will thrive beneath a camellia plant with out choking out the camellia or climbing up its trunk. And because it’s a perennial, it comes again yearly.
Creeping phlox produces oodles of vivid flowers within the mid to late spring. These flowers vary in colour from purple to pink to white and supply a wholesome dose of colour after camellias are achieved blooming.
9. Spirea
Whereas camelia vegetation produce flowers within the winter or early spring, spirea vegetation (aka Meadowsweets) bloom through the late spring and summer season. Meaning you’ll be able to plant these two shrubs collectively for an virtually steady show of flowers.
Most spirea will thrive in full solar, however this quantity of sunshine is usually too intense for camellia. An excellent compromise is to position these vegetation partially shade, the place each vegetation could be glad.
10. Coleus
Many individuals love perennials resulting from their potential to offer colour over the course of a number of years. Nevertheless, annuals just like the coleus can help you cowl naked spots in your backyard ASAP.
Slightly than being identified for its flowers, the coleus is beloved resulting from its multicolor foliage. Whether or not you’re in search of lime inexperienced, scorching pink, or a extra subdued magenta.
The coleus thrives in dappled mild or half shade, which makes it a terrific contender for sneaking beneath camellia vegetation.
Companion Vegetation for Camellias FAQs:
What Can I Plant Subsequent to Camellias?
Different part-shade vegetation like azaleas, hostas, and hellebores work nicely subsequent to camellia vegetation.
What Is the Finest Place to Plant a Camellia?
Most forms of camellias choose dappled mild or afternoon shade and a slightly-acidic and well-draining soil.
How Massive Do Camellia Vegetation Get?
This depends upon the number of camellia in addition to the plant’s surroundings. Nevertheless, most camellia vegetation will develop between 6 and 15 toes tall.
Can I Plant Evergreen Shrubs as Companions for Camellias?
Sure, planting evergreen shrubs as companions for camellias can present a year-round backdrop and improve the general great thing about the backyard. A few of my favorites embrace Boxwood, Pieris, Daphne, Mahonia, and Viburnum.
Wrapping Up
Whether or not you’re seeking to create a Japanese backyard or fill your area with a unending provide of flowers, you will discover a companion plant that works nicely along with your camellias.
For extra, see our in-depth information on the that means and symbolism of camellias and uncover our favourite forms of purple, yellow, white, and pink camellia flowers.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State College. She manages a small market backyard the place she grows greens and herbs. She additionally enjoys rising flowers and houseplants at house.
