Camellia japonica 'Mary Bracey' (Pot Size 29cm) sold by Boma Garden Centre

Camellia ‘Marie Bracey’ is a refined evergreen shrub that brings delicate charm to the garden in late winter and early spring. According to the RHS, it is an upright shrub with glossy, ovate leaves and produces peony-form rose-pink blooms in early to mid spring.  The flowers are semi-double, opening wide to display golden reproductive centres.  Its growth habit is upright but over time becomes more rounded and spreading.  At maturity it may reach about 2.5–4 m in height and spread (in suitable UK conditions).  This versatile camellia works beautifully as a specimen plant, within a camellia collection, or as part of an acid-loving shrub border. It complements companion plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, Pieris, ferns and shade-tolerant perennials. Position it where the blooms can be appreciated at eye level, with a backdrop of darker foliage or evergreen structure.