Growing Camellia: Ultimate Camellia Planting And Care Guide

Best Camellia Planting And Care For Showstopping Blooms

A staple in the southern landscape, camellia plants are praised for their early bloom and stunning evergreen foliage. Flowers, which range in tone from white to deep red, most often begin to open in late winter; adding much-needed color and appeal to beds. Though camellia planting and care is relatively simple, taking note of their special needs will help to ensure that the shrubs will continue to thrive for many seasons to come.

Quick Camellia Facts

• Botanical name:
• Camellia
• Height: 3-15 feet (1.0-4.5 m)
• Spread: 3-7 feet (1.0-2.1 m)
• Sun exposure: Part Shade
• Soil requirements: Acidic (pH 5.5-6.5)
• Hardiness zones: USDA Zones 7-9
• When to plant: Spring, Fall

Caring for Camellias

Learn all about the specific needs for camellia care.

Light

The best camellia growing condition for this plant is filtered light throughout the majority of the day. Though mature specimens can withstand direct sun, it’s best limited to early morning or evening hours. Shaded garden beds allow bushes to be protected when light is most intense, helping to avoid problems related to overexposure.

Temperature & Humidity

Cold hardiness can vary between cultivars. Though most are hardy only to warmer regions, many newer varieties have demonstrated an increased tolerance to cooler winter weather. In general, camellia plants flower best in regions that consistently remain above 30F (-1C) leading into spring. Prolonged exposure to cold during bud set or bloom will often result in damage or failure of flowers. Shrubs are well-adapted to a wide range of summer growing conditions, including high heat and humidity.

Watering

Camellia bush care is likely to include routine irrigating. Ideally, these plants should receive approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water each week. Though camellia bushes are able to withstand brief periods of drought, the plants’ needs will increase during periods of active growth or when conditions are especially warm. But, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot and the development of disease.

Fertilizer

Learning how to care for camellia bushes includes proper feeding. Fertilizers specifically formulated for use with camellias and other similar plants are often best. Slow-release granular feeds or those that are water-soluble can be applied throughout the growing season, according to the manufacturer’s labeled instructions for safe use.

Soil & Compost

Camellia bushes appreciate rich, well-amended beds. At planting time, experienced growers suggest the addition of a quality finished compost, as well as any other needed modifications to the soil. Planting sites should also drain well, as the shrubs will not tolerate excess moisture or oversaturated soils.

When and How to Plant Camellia

Camellias grow best when planted in early spring or autumn. This allows for prolonged periods of cool weather as new shrubs adjust to their new homes and begin to grow. The development of new roots and foliage is essential as each plant continues to establish itself throughout its first season.

Camellia shrubs can also be grown in containers, though this requires special consideration. Their overall size at maturity is most important, therefore, dwarf cultivars are considered the best candidates.

How to Prune Camellia

Camellia plants are prized for their ability to produce dependable blooms, season after season. In fact, most would agree that the shrubs need only very little pruning to look their best. Plants that benefit from minor trimming include those that have been damaged over winter or that have outgrown their space within garden beds. Timing is key since improper pruning can have a direct impact on the production of flowers.

Prune them in late winter or early spring, after the plants have finished blooming. Trimming stems or cutting the shrubs later in the season can often result in accidentally removing the next year’s flower buds.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Where conditions are ideal, camellia plant care is relatively simple. However, growers should remain vigilant of sudden changes in their shrubs’ appearance. Common diseases of camellias include leaf spot, blight, and root rot. Dieback, caused by fungal pathogens, can also be an issue. Though most of these diseases can be prevented, proper identification and quick treatment are essential to restoring the health of the plants. On occasion, insect pressure may also contribute to a decline in plant health. Pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies.

Propagating Camellias

Propagation by cuttings remains among the most popular techniques for multiplying these favorite plants. Small stem segments are usually taken in summer, from new growth. Excess foliage can then be removed before the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone and placed into propagation trays.

Camellia growers have also found success with air layering, a process in which a growth medium is wrapped around a stem, and allowed to root while attached to the plant.

Best Camellia Varieties to Try

• Elizabeth Dowd Camellia. A stunning pink and white variety, Elizabeth Dowd camellias boast large blooms with intricate streaks and patterns. Ideal for warmer zones, these shrubs are likely to begin flowering as early as late winter. At maturity, expect the plant to become quite large, at approximately 12 feet (3.6 m).
• Victory White Camellia. Considered yet another classic cultivar, Victory White camellias are prized for their double-rose form and pristine color. With a large, open growth habit, the shrubs will only seldom require pruning. Still, occasional maintenance may be needed to help train plants to the desired size and shape.
• Winter’s Song Camellia. Hardy to USDA zone 6b, this variety is a good choice for gardeners in colder regions. In addition to its tolerance to cold, Winter’s Song maintains a small, compact shape. This makes it ideal for use in mixed borders and in container plantings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Grow Camellias Indoors?

Though camellias can technically be kept as houseplants, they are not a good candidate for growing indoors. They require very specific conditions to grow and bloom their best. Those kept inside will often languish, failing to set buds or dropping flowers before they are able to open.

Do You Need to Deadhead Camellias?

Deadheading is a beneficial aspect of camellia care and helps maintain a tidy and fresh appearance. Though routine deadheading has not been shown to improve overall production of flowers, it is vital to preventing disease. Removing old flowers is said to help prevent instances of petal blight and other fungal infections.