Camellia Look Away

Camellia 'Look Away' is a variety with a free habit and semi-double flowers of carmine pink with a wide white border.

This variety blooms from March to May and forms a bush with a free and dense habit, measuring 1.30m (4 ft 4 in) in height and 1.20m (4 ft) in width. It produces semi-double flowers of beautiful carmine pink with wide white borders, measuring approximately 6-7cm (2.4-2.8 in) in diameter. Its flowering period is a wonderful spectacle. Its leaves are dark green and glossy. They measure 5 to 7cm (2 to 3 in) in length and are evergreen. Hardy down to -15°C. This variety grows in partial shade or full shade, sheltered from cold winds. It prefers acidic, humus-rich, moist and light soils.

Plant Camellia 'Look Away' in an ericaceous bed with azaleas, skimmia, Japanese quince and heathers. Plant it in autumn with some spring bulbs e.g. tulips and daffodils, for a magnificent and colourful scene. Its compact size also allows it to be grown in a pot. Place it on a partially shaded terrace, along a wall, protected from cold and drying winds.

The name Camellia was given to the plant in 1735 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Von Linné, in tribute to Georg Josef Kamel (Latinised as "Camellus"), an apothecary in the service of the Jesuits in the Philippines in the late 17th century. It was not until 1792 that the Camellia arrived in Europe.