“An oldie but a goodie”, this Australian bred variety with attractive crimson flowers has been in cultivation since the 1870’s.  A reliable and strong grower, it is still a worthy edition to any camellia planting.

Planting & initial care for Great Eastern:

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

If planting Great Eastern as a hedge or screen we recommend planting with a spacing of between 1.2m to 1.8m apart.

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 Great Eastern 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).

Great Eastern 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