Native to eastern and southern Asia, camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees with lush flowers that come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile choice for many garden designs.
Select The Right Variety for Your Climate and Space
There are thousands of camellia cultivars, but the most commonly grown species are Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and Camellia reticulata. C. japonica, known for its large, ornate flowers, tends to bloom in late winter to spring, while C. sasanqua, with smaller but plentiful blooms, and flowers in the fall.
Finding The Right Place To Plant
The plants prefer a sheltered position and slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
They thrive in partial shade and should be protected from the hottest part of the day.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Mix some organic matter like compost or peat moss into the removed soil and use this to backfill the hole. Mulching is beneficial for keeping the roots cool and moist.
Use pine needles, bark, or compost to help maintain soil moisture and temperature. They require little fertilizer and are sensitive to overfeeding.
Use a specialized camellia or azalea fertilizer in spring, just as new growth appears. This provides the necessary nutrients without overwhelming the plant.
Pruning is generally minimal with camellias. It’s typically done to shape the plant or remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is just after blooming ends, as pruning later can remove buds set for the next season.
Regularly inspecting your plants and maintaining good air circulation can help mitigate camellia petal blight, scale insects, and spider mites.
Patience Is Key When Growing Camellias
They are slow-growing and may take several years to bloom after planting.
However, the spectacular display of flowers and the lush, glossy foliage are well worth the wait.
With proper care, camellias can live for many years, even centuries, becoming a long-lasting treasure in your garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, the beauty and elegance of camellias make them a rewarding addition to any outdoor space.
Happy gardening!
About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.