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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9 LISTINGS
PAGE 1 ALL aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Black Tie Espalier Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 aka Camellia 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. Camellia Early Pearly Espalier Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 Stock of this item is very low. aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Fairy Blush Espalier Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Koto no Kaori Espaliered Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Our Melissa Espaliered Container: 15l ? $149.99 aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Pure Silk Espaliered Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 Stock of this item is very low. aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Setsugekka Espalier Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 aka Camellia 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.
Camellia Sweet Jane Espalier Current Stock Height: 90/120 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 Stock of this item is very low. aka Michelia A relatively new introduction which is sure to be a winner amongst the gardening fraternity. Glossy leathery rounded foliage which always looks neat and tidy. Fuzzy brown flower buds which open to beautifully scented cream flowers in early spring. Will grow well in a container. Espalier. Evergreen.
Michelia Gracipes Espalier Current Stock Height: 90/100 cm ? Container: 15l ? $159.99 Stock of this item is very low. 
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 1.5m x 1m
Presented here as an Espalier for walls and fences.
Habit: Arching
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2.5m x 2m
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1.5m
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
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 2m x 1m
Michelia gracipes is easy to grow but will do best in a semi-shaded position with protection from strong winds. Prefers soil that is slightly on the acid side. If you can grow Camellias in your garden you will easily grow this beautiful small evergreen tree.
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 4m x 3m
Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: