Camellia Japonica, Bob Hope

Camellia Japonica, Bob Hope, 'Bob Hope' is a large, compact shrub to 3m, with deep red, semi-double flowers to 12cm in width

Will benefit from twice yearly feeding with specific low ph fertiliser, Scott's Camellia Osmocote slow release plant food. 

Camellia Bob Hope is indeed a unique cultivar of Camellia japonica known for its deep red blooms. 

Appearance: Camellia Bob Hope is an upright, medium-sized evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage. During winter, it produces large, dark velvet red flowers with bright golden stamens. The contrast between the dark blooms and the golden stamens creates an eye-catching display.

Pruning: It is recommended to prune Camellia Bob Hope after flowering, in late winter. This will help shape the plant and encourage a bushy growth habit.

Watering: Once established, Camellia Bob Hope has moderate water requirements. However, during the peak of summer, it will benefit from deep soaking. This means providing a thorough watering to ensure the water reaches the roots and helps the plant withstand the summer heat.

Soil and Position: Camellia Bob Hope prefers to be grown in humus-rich, well-draining soil. It can tolerate part-shade to full shade conditions, making it suitable for areas with limited sunlight.

Size: This cultivar typically reaches a height and width of around 3-4 meters, making it a medium-sized shrub.

Garden Uses: Camellia Bob Hope has various uses in the garden, including:

Tall hedge: Due to its upright growth habit, it can be used to create a tall hedge, providing privacy or serving as a boundary.  Feature plant: The striking dark red blooms make Camellia Bob Hope an excellent choice as a focal point in the garden. It can be showcased as a standout feature, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. Potted into larger containers: Camellias, including Bob Hope, can be grown in containers, making them suitable for patio or balcony gardens. Just ensure the container has proper drainage and is large enough to accommodate the plant's growth.  Formal gardens: The neat and compact growth habit of Camellia Bob Hope makes it suitable for formal garden settings, where clean lines and well-maintained plants are desired.  Japanese gardens: Camellias are frequently used in Japanese gardens due to their cultural significance and aesthetic appeal. Bob Hope, with its vibrant red flowers, can contribute to the overall beauty and tranquility of a Japanese-style garden.  Espalier: Espalier is a technique where plants are trained to grow flat against a wall or support structure. Camellia Bob Hope can be espaliered, creating a unique and artistic display on a wall or fence.

Camellia Bob Hope is available from Online Plants, Australia's leading e-commerce plant nursery. Located in Melbourne we offer fast, accurate and careful plant delivery to all Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane, metropolitan and regional areas.

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