Camellias and hebe in a bed

[Becauseyouaskednicely]

I’m just about to finish digging a new flower bed that is west facing and in front of my house so partially shady. Soil looks to be clay. The bed is 300cm x 45cm so quite long but narrow. I was thinking of planting autumn and spring flowering camellia and some hebes as ideally I’d like evergreens with year round flowers. I’d like to plant 3 or 4 camellias in a row at the rear with 3 hebes in the gaps in the front. Just wondering if anyone who knows a bit about camellias can guide me on whether this sounds ok as it will be an expensive bed!

I do have camellias already in my back garden but they’re in full sun and not doing very well.

Hebes don't live all that long and I think they like full sun. How about sticking with the camelia and growing climbers through them to extend the interest? So maybe a summer flowering and a winter flowering clematis?

They have hebes in b and m at the moment - 3 for £10. Not sure what variety but I bought a few and they're doing ok so far!

I think camelia's require ericaceous soil

My soil is neutral, not acidic but I could see from gardens in the neighbourhood that camellias do well around here. Are there lots near you OP? Goodvibes is right- soil more important than light levels for them.

There are several houses on my street with camellias in the front and I do have an established camellia at the back of my house.

Im probably more worried about spacing and not overcrowding the bed.

Camellias are going to need a bed at least a metre deep. I’d add a Choisya to the mix. Evergreen flower in May and often September. Mine has just come back into flower. Can the bed be deeper?