Camellias are also very versatile, and can be planted in anything from a pot to a hedge to suit your needs.

They are also of special significance to kiwis, white camellias were the symbol of New Zealand women's right to vote, and along with Kate Sheppard, are featured on our ten dollar note.

Camellias need lots of water, and nutrient rich acidic soil. If you are in a drought prone area, look for varieties that are more resilient and are able to grow with less water.

Given the right conditions, Camellias can grow up to 30cm a year until they are mature, growing into shrubs or small trees, although it is also possible to buy dwarf varieties.

Early April to June. Mid July to August. Late September to October.

Camellia Japonica

These are the largest group of camellias. They are very hardy with dark green foliage. They flower over many months, even in heavy shade. Flower sizes vary from 5cm miniatures to semi-doubles up to 20cm across. These camellias are often used in floral art.

Camellia Sasanqua

These plants grow best in warmer climates. In most climates, plant the shrub in a position receiving half to full sun. While this group is the toughest and most versatile, they still dislike very hot and dry positions, so in warmer climates, they will grow better in the shade.  Sasanquas are the fastest growing camellias, and work well as a hedge, espalier (training plants flat against a fence or wall), ground cover and as block planting. Some are ‘self-grooming’ which means they shed their flowers spontaneously.  Sasanqua are autumn/early winter-flowering shrubs.

Choose a spot to plant that suits your specific variety with the right amount of light/shade, and will protect it from extremes of weather.

Camellias prefer slightly acid soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Dig some well broken down compost into the soil before planting.

If your soil is alkaline, plant the shrubs in raised mounds, or in trenches that you've filled with leaf mould (composted leaves) to act as a soil conditioner and help with water retention.

Mulch over the root area and feed the plant with a camellia specific fertiliser.

Many camellia varieties grow well in pots, which is perfect if your soil is alkaline, your winters are extremely frosty, or you are short on space.

Choose a suitable pot. Unless your camellia plant is very small (and will stay small), the pot should be at least 50cm in diameter.

Use a camellia specific potting mix and slow release fertiliser.

Water the pot regularly to prevent the soil from drying out in hotter weather.  

Camellias grow the most after flowering, so use a camellia specific food at the end of winter.

Apply mulch around the base of the plant (avoiding the trunk) to help retain moisture in the warmer months.

Water the plant regularly throughout the year.

Camellias will survive, and look attractive whether they are pruned or not, but if you want to keep a camellia hedge or topiary neat and tidy, the end of winter is the best time to prune back and reshape. Hedges should be given additional trims occasionally over the growing season to keep them neat and tidy. Camellias that are being grown into a tree will benefit from having their lower branches removed to create a clear trunk.

Camellias are vulnerable to disease through pruning wounds, so keep your tools clean and use an appropriate dressing afterwards on larger cuts.

If your area is expecting a harsh winter, protect the plant from extreme frost and wind (moving potted plants under shelter will help). In spring, check the plant for signs of frost damage. If there are some leaves left on the plant, prune it back severely above the healthy branches.

Below is a quick guide common pests and diseases for camellia plants.

• Take cuttings in February, when the new growth has hardened, but in the morning while it is still cool, and stay under the shade to reduce moisture loss.
• Choose tip pieces that are about 10-15cm long. Wrap immediately in damp newspaper and then in plastic.
• Add seed raising mix to a small pot and water well. Allow the pot to drain.
• Trim the base of the cutting just below a leaf node, remove all but a few top leaves.
• Make small deep holes in the top of the seed mix, and insert a cutting, gently smooth the mix around it, so it is stable. You can add more than one cutting to a pot, but don’t over crowd.
• Water the pot carefully and place in semi shade.
• Monitor the cuttings for the next couple of months, watering regularly. When the stems feel firm in the pot, they have grown roots and can be moved into individual pots and grown in the same way as store bought plants.