Espalier
Espalier (Es-pah-lee-yay) is a horticultural term derived from the French word for trellis, and is used to describe a plant that has been trained to grow flat against a trellis or wall. This is particularly desirable when space is limited, because, as we know, Camellias can be ‘space gluttons’, and in smaller gardens the solution for lovers of Camellias is to grow them using this technique.
When selecting a plant for use as an espalier, look for one with open, sprawling growth and several leading branches. Plant the camellia against the wall or trellis, then tie the branches back in the desired position using soft plastic ties or twine – don’t use wire as it can cut into the branches. Prune off any unnecessary growth, training the leaders to grow horizontally or at an upward angle, with the best displays generally being symmetrical. Try to keep any major pruning until after flowering and your espalier will reward you year after year with a display of flowers that will always be in clear view.
Most sasanqua varieties are suitable, although any camellia can be trained as an espalier.
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The word espalier initially referred to the actual trellis on which the plant was trained to grow, but over time has come to be used to describe the technique. An espalier collects almost as much sunlight as a regular tree, yet has far less mass. This makes them ideal not only for decorative purposes, but also for gardens in which space is limited. They may also be planted next to a wall, which can reflect more sunlight and retain heat overnight, or be planted so that they are facing north and absorb maximum sunlight. These two factors allow an espalier to succeed in cooler climates, where a non-espaliered tree of the same variety would fail.
Varieties that can be successfully espaliered:
Rosaflora Cascade
Wirlinga Bride
Early Pearly
Mine No Yuki
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10 LISTINGS
Japonica Espalier. An oldie but a goody. Beautiful, formal, double blooms of deepest red make this a highly desirable Camellia. Flowers late winter to spring, quite a compact shrubby habit. Happiest in semi-shade and acid soil. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Camellia Black Tie Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
New stock arriving shortly. Pre-order now. Estimated price $149.99 each. Payment when stock arrives.
Hybrid Esp. This is a delightful little Camellia with semi-double flowers that are white with pink tinges on the petal edges and backs. In full bloom the overall effect is very soft and pretty. An added bonus of fragrance makes this a definite must have. Strong upright growth habit. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: Esp
Camellia Cinnamon Cindy Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Sasanqua. A very good performing Camellia that flowers from early autumn through to early winter. The blooms are double, white, with just a hint of blush pink on the outer edges. Upright vigorous habit. Happiest in semi-shade. Presented here espaliered. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Camellia Early Pearly Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
New stock arriving shortly. Pre-order now. Estimated price $149.99 each. Payment when stock arrives.
Hybrid Espalier. This beautiful Camellia has tight bright pink buds that open to miniature, single, apple-blossom pink blooms which are lightly fragrant. A pretty Camellia which would suit a small courtyard or patio area. Flowers for a long period. Happiest in semi-shade with acid soil. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 1.5m x 1m
Camellia Fairy Blush Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Stock of this item is very low.
Hybrid. Simple but sweet single rose-pink blooms with prominent yellow stamens are borne in profusion along attractively arching branches. The blooms are very fragrant blooms and appear autumn to winter. Small rounded bright green leaves. Happiest in semi-shade with acid soil. Evergreen.
Presented here as an Espalier for walls and fences.
Habit: Arching
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2.5m x 2m
Camellia Koto no Kaori Espaliered
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Hybrid Espalier. Produced by and named after NZ's famous plant breeder Les Jury. Les Jury considered this to be the best formal double red Camellia that he produced in his lifetime. Very vigorous upright growth habit, handsome foliage. Happiest in morning sun or semi-shade. Evergreen. RHS AGM.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2.5m x 2m
Camellia Les Jury Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Stock of this item is very low.
Hybrid Miniature Espalier. A very sweet Camellia with small baby pink ruffled flowers that are borne on gently cascading branches. The foliage is dainty and a light olive green in colour. Ideal container plant. Happiest in semi-shade. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Camellia Our Melissa Espaliered
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Sasanqua. A lovely little Camellia with, scented, semi-double blooms. The buds are quite pink but magically open to silky white blooms with just a hint of pink on the edges. 'Pure Silk' has a strong upright growth habit and whilst it is happy in semi-shade this Camellia can cope with sun. Evergreen.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Camellia Pure Silk Espaliered
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Stock of this item is very low.
Sasanqua. One of NZ's favourite Camellias and deservedly so. An abundance of large wavy white blooms with prominent yellow stamens appear in early autumn through to winter. The blooms are softly scented. Happiest in semi-shade. Evergreen.
Presented here espaliered.
This beautiful Camellia is definitely one of my favourites. Introduced from Japan in 1898 so a proven winner! Translation of the name means Snow, Moon and Flowers - isn't that just lovely?
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 3m x 1.5m
Camellia Setsugekka Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
New stock arriving shortly. Pre-order now. Estimated price $149.99 each. Payment when stock arrives.
Hybrid. 'Sweet Jane' is indeed just that with bright pink buds open to very pretty, double, white blooms that are heavily shaded pink. Commences flowering early May and continues for several months. Sun tolerant but also happy in semi-shade. Presented here espaliered. Evergreen. PVR.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1m
Camellia Sweet Jane Espalier
Current Stock Height: 90/90-120 cm ?
Container: 15l ?
$149.99
Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: