Yuletide is one of the few truly red sun hardy camellias.  Its bright red single flowers with golden yellow stamens stand out brilliantly against its small deep green foliage. Yuletide is a compact and relatively slow grower initially gaining more vigour once well established.  Its growth habit makes it a great candidate for low to medium hedges but it is also excellent for pruning to a range of topiary shapes (such as cones or standards) in either containers or garden plantings.

Planting & initial care for Yuletide:

Yuletide is suitable for planting in both, full sun or lightly shaded positions.

If planting Yuletide as a hedge or screen we recommend planting with a spacing of between 0.75m to 1.25m apart. (Use the narrower spacing where a dense bushy hedge is required quickly and wider spacings for a superior long term effect).

Planting holes should be at least double the width and slightly deeper than the plant container and include a blend of composted material and existing topsoil. Raised beds are recommended for heavy clay soils.

Plant Yuletide so that the top of the potting mix is level with the finished soil line, firm down soil gently around the plant for stability and water in well.

Mulch the soil surface with about 5cm of quality mulch ensuring the mulch is not mounded against the plants trunk. (Place a very thin layer of mulch adjacent to the trunk and increase to maximum depth (5cm) as it radiates away from the root zone.)

Yuletide will take several months and up to a year to establish in its new home depending on the time of year it is planted. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not overwatered. Watering can be reduced as the plant establishes.

Prune in early spring for shape as required (later pruning will reduce Autumn flowering).

Feed in spring with a quality general purpose fertiliser, this can be replenished in mid to late Summer as needed.

For more information go to our full PLANTING AND CARE GUIDE