Surprise Camellia

Surprise Camellia (Camellia 'Surprise') is a mixed selection of vigorous evergreen camellias that grow 2m to 5m tall and wide and flower from late autumn through winter to spring. Our grower chooses which named variety goes in each tube, so the flower colour, white, pink or red, is a genuine surprise. It suits hedges, screens, espaliers and large pots.

Why you'll love it

• A mystery variety. Each plant is a named camellia from our grower's range, so you will not know the colour and flower form until it blooms.
• Winter flowers. Flowers appear from late autumn through winter into spring, either single with a golden centre or full and rounded.
• Strong and evergreen. A strong-growing shrub or small tree that keeps its leaves all year and does a good job of screening.
• Grows across most of the country. Most of the range are sasanquas, which do well in humid gardens and also suit the drier southern states.
• Safe around pets. Camellias are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart for a flowering hedge. Flower colour and growth rate may vary from plant to plant, so it suits a relaxed, mixed look more than a strictly uniform one.

Espaliers and feature planting. Camellias train well flat against a wall or fence, which suits narrow side passages.

Large pots. A mystery camellia in a big container makes a pleasant surprise on a patio or courtyard once it flowers.

Growing Surprise Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. It likes sun for part of the day, morning or afternoon, with some shade, and protection from strong wind and exposed sites. Once established it should cope with an overnight frost. It does well in most regions, except the tropical top end, the red centre and snowfields.

Soil. It wants free draining soil that is neutral to acid and enriched with organic matter. A potting mix rich in humus, added at planting time, is ideal.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, particularly through summer when next season's buds form. Fertilise in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering. A late prune removes next season's buds.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Surprise Camellia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The variety is chosen by our grower, so we cannot tell you the flower colour or form in advance. Choose it for hedges and screens where a mix is fine, and choose a named camellia if you want one specific colour. Plants travel upright and settle within a couple of weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• See every camellia we grow
• Hedging and screening plants
• Camellia bushes: varieties, growing and care
• How to create a great hedge and keep it sharp

Common questions

Can I choose the flower colour?

No. The variety is chosen by our grower, and flowers may be white, pink or red, single or fully double. If you need a specific colour, buy a named camellia instead.

Does it make a good hedge?

Yes. Planted 1m apart it forms a screen, and a mixed planting gives a patchwork of winter colour. Flower colour and growth may vary between plants.

What soil does it want?

Free draining soil that is neutral to acid and rich in organic matter. Add a humus-rich potting mix at planting, and mulch well.