CAMELLIA PLANT- 80-100 CM
- Botanical name:
- Camellia
- Height: 80 CM
- Spread: 50 CM
- Sun exposure: Part Shade
- Soil requirements: Acidic (pH 5.5-6.5)
- When to plant: Spring, Fall
PLANT 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.
