In January it’s not unusual to see me bursting out of the house with no coat on, camera in hand, all because…THE SUN IS OUT! You know it won’t last, just like those cheery red and yellow blooms of the ‘Yuletide’ Camellia sasanqua.*

Just in case you don’t already know this, camellias are evergreen shrubs that can be pruned as trees or trained to espalier. Growing to a height and spread of about 10 feet it is a good choice for the small garden. If you are able to plant it in a slightly sheltered area where the rain can’t fall directly on it the blooms will last longer. However, this also means you’ll need to make sure it gets enough watering.

If you’ve planted winter blooming plants and shrubs in your garden you too can experience (gasp) colorful, scented flowers and glossy green leaves while feeling the warmth of the sun outdoors in January. This is a totally achievable dream as long as you plan ahead.

In the Seattle area, nurseries will have the biggest selection of camellias available now.

*Yes, I have written about Yuletide before. I really love camellias.