Combining luminous bright pink blooms, deep green foliage and a compact habit make Illumination one of the best recent introductions to camellia growing.  A hybrid that is more sun hardy than regular japonica varieties and its compact growth means it can be grown in a wider variety of applications. Suitable for specimen planting, low to medium hedges and for containers or garden planting, the flowers will glow particularly in semi shaded areas.

Planting & initial care for Illumination:

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

If planting Illumination 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 Illumination 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).

Illumination 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