Camellias are appearing in garden centres around now. Give them a sheltered position and - depending on the variety - they may flower from late winter into spring. Site them out of the morning sun as it will damage buds that have become frosted overnight.
Camellias like lots of water in summer, but also require good drainage so their roots do not become water-logged. They're acid-lovers, so after potting them up in a lime-free compost with added grit, they should be watered with lime-free water. In many areas this means using rain-water or cooled, boiled water from the kettle. This latter tip comes from Ann Nutty in Malahide Nurseries, who recommends `Debbie' and `Anticipation' as being good, floriferous cultivars.
When the flowers fade and new growth commences in spring, feed fortnightly with a balanced plant food containing iron.