Camellia Sweet Emily Kate
Camellia Sweet Emily Kate is a compact evergreen camellia grown for its small, scented, soft pink flowers. The blooms are anemone-form, with a ruffled centre of petaloids, and they carry a light fragrance that sets this camellia apart from most others in the genus. Plants grow to around 1 to 1.5m high and wide, with a neat, bushy habit.
This camellia suits a cottage garden or a formal border where scent and year-round structure are valued. Plant several together as a low hedge or fragrant screen, or grow a single plant in a sheltered courtyard bed. Sweet Emily Kate also performs well in a large container on a sheltered patio.
Grow this camellia in part shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. It needs free-draining, acidic soil enriched with compost. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain moisture. Avoid exposed or frost-prone positions, as the flowers can be damaged by late frost.
Water regularly through the first summer and during dry spells thereafter. Feed with a camellia and azalea fertiliser in spring after flowering. Camellias are generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, though it is sensible to discourage pets from chewing any garden plant.
Trimming: Trim lightly straight after flowering in late winter to early spring to shape the plant and maintain its compact size. Camellias flower on old wood, so keep pruning light. Remove any dead, weak, or crossing stems at the same time.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential. You can remove spent blooms by hand to tidy the plant and reduce the risk of petal blight, but leaving them does no harm.
Fertilising: Feed in spring after flowering with a fertiliser formulated for camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. A slow-release acidic fertiliser works well. Do not over-feed, as this can lead to soft, sappy growth.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment and through dry summer spells. Water deeply rather than frequently. Mulch the root zone to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Pest Control: Camellias are generally trouble-free. Watch for scale insects and aphids on new growth, and treat early with horticultural oil if needed.
Disease Management: Camellia petal blight, caused by Ciborinia camelliae, is the main disease concern. Collect and bin fallen flowers rather than composting them to reduce spore load. Free-draining soil and good airflow around the plant help prevent Phytophthora root rot. Sooty mould can develop if sap-sucking pests are present; control the pest and the mould will clear.
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