01/08/2026
Di Hall’s Camellia for August: Camellia japonica 'Lovelight'
This beautiful camellia first flowered back in 1962, and more than sixty years later it's still regarded as one of the very best white camellias you can grow.
If you're looking to brighten a shady corner of the garden through winter, 'Lovelight' is hard to beat.
Its large, pure white blooms are simply stunning. Each flower is semi-double and can grow to an impressive 13 centimetres across, with brilliant golden-yellow stamens standing proudly in the centre. Against the rich, glossy dark green foliage, the flowers almost seem to glow – which is probably why it was given the name 'Lovelight'.
'Lovelight' is also a terrific garden performer. It's an upright, reliable grower, reaching around two and a half metres tall and two metres wide over about ten years. It looks equally at home as a feature specimen, planted in a large decorative pot, or clipped into a beautiful formal hedge.
If you're planting a hedge, allow between 1.2 and 1.50 metres between plants, depending on how quickly you'd like it to fill out.
Like all camellias, 'Lovelight' enjoys well-drained acidic soil and a position with morning sun or light dappled shade.
Mulch is one of the best things you can do for them. Apply about five centimetres of quality mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk. The mulch helps keep the roots cool, conserves moisture and improves the soil as it breaks down.
For camellias growing in the garden, we recommend a fertiliser such as Neutrog Kahoona once every season. If your camellias are growing in pots, use a quality controlled-slow release fertiliser like Osmocote in late winter.
