Camellias/Rhododendron as standards

[jayne10b]

Hi
I was thinking about the possibility of growing a 'hedge on stilts' and thought a flowering evergreen plant might tick a lot of boxes and have the added bonus of attractive flowers for part of the year.
Has anyone ever trained or bought a Camellia or Rhododendron as a standard?

If bought, could you tell me where - how much. If you have one, does it look good - does it stay in shape. Please share any thoughts at all you have.

Thanks

Jayne

Hi

I have had two standard rhododendrons in the past and they were fantastic!! Aslong as you plant them in the correct soil and plenty of food and water and their in the correct size pot they do the rest.
Mine grew quite alot in the first year I had them and the flowers were amazing a real vivid deep pink.
They kept there shape pretty well, the only thing I did do was once the flowers had all died I broke them off so the new buds could flourish for the next year and trimed the odd stalk now and again to keep the shape. They generally look after themselves and are very hardy.
Unfortunately the Ex got them. But this year i'm looking for the same again, they look lovely either side of the front door, abit more special than a bay!
I'm sure any garden centre can point you in the right direction thats were i'm gonna start!
Hope this helped
Katie

camelias are fabulous but quite slow growing compared to a rhododendron. i think you ahve to be careful with rhods as they can look a bit municipal

That's an intriguing idea! How high a hedge are you going for?

I'd never heard of espaliered camellias, so I had a quick look, and came across this brief article:

www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/plants/winter/Camellias_article_73012.html

Mig ht be best to talk to a specialist camellia nursery to pick the appropriat varieties?

I think that Camellia sasanqua might be your best bet for espalier training.
Many on those listed here are recommended for this:
www.camelliagrove.com.au/show-sasanquas-developed.php