Camellia sasanquas (Fall blooming varieties) are typically best for training as espalier. When choosing sasanqua camellias to espalier, look for plants with open, sprawling growth and several leading branches.

Camellias prefer afternoon shade, and enjoy some protection from cold winter winds, so plant them on the east or south side wall of a home or structure.

Plant your camellias against the wall or trellis as described in How To Plant Espalier .

You can allow your camellia to grow more naturally against the wall, only pruning off branches that grow out horizontally from the plant. Or, you can hook branches to galvanised wires running horizontally along the wall to create more formal shapes or rows. Branches can also be attached to walls using eye screws anchored into the brick wall with plastic plugs, using tie wire to attach the branch to the eye screw. Ties are needed about every 8 to 12 inches for more formal designs. Sometimes they might have to be loosened and adjusted as the plant grows. You can also use a steel trellis for support.

Prune regularly to achieve the flat, two-dimensional effect which is characteristic of all espaliers, but leave any major pruning until flowering has finished in early Winter.

Training a camellia for a formal espalier may take some time and patience, but the end result is fabulous.