Tweeds Nursery was established in 1993. We are a small specialist nursery, as well as growing many varieties of Camellia we do grow other plants in particular ornamental and unusual shrubs, some ornamental grassses and herbaceous perennials xlarge Gunnera manicata and Shuttlecock Ferns Matteucia struthiopteris a specialty. Our main outlets are the general circuit of garden shows, mail order and wholesale.

Camellias

There are around 300 species i.e. different kinds which are found in the wild. Although many species are well suited for gardening there are more than 30,000 cultivars to choose from.

They originate in the orient and are native to eastern Asia included within the genus is Camellia sinensis more commonly known as the “tea” plant which is a popular drink, there are also many others of  commercial and cosmetic value.

Garden uses include screening, hedging, edging, topiary, espalier or fan trained for training as a climbers and specimen or mixed planting for formal or woodland gardens. They are ideal for growing in pots and containers and have even been known to have accommodated hanging baskets. In addition to this many varieties make excellent cut flowers. There are also many less hardy varieties that are suitable for shaded conservatories or greenhouses.

The flowering time of most hardy Camellias can start as early as late September with many of the i.e.C.sasanqua makeing an early appearance flowering through to around late January/February. The spring flowering Camellias i.e. C.japonica / x williamsii / reticulatas etc can start as early as December flowering more or less till May.

Naturally most varieties do not flower throughout this entire period, indeed some will put on a show for just a few weeks i.e.C.Cornish Snow choosing to release many blooms all at once whilst others release a few at a time i.e.C.Noblissima meanwhile dodging the winter frosts snow & all the other elements our unpredictable weather can throw at them.