Camellia

Camellia

• Position: light to partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, acid soil
• Flowering period: February to April
• Height: 4m
• Foliage: evergreen
• Hardiness: fully hardy

Camellias are well-loved for their lovely flowers which appear from February to April. The foliage is evergreen. Although they are fully hardy, they dislike strong, cold winds. Offer the shrubs a sheltered position.

Pruning

Camellia does require little pruning. If necessary, remove any branches after flowering that spoil the shape of the shrub.

Planting tips

Camellias perform best when grown in humus-rich, acid soil. If necessary add ericaceous compost to the soil before planting.

Feeding

Camellia doesn’t like to dry out. A covering of mulch will keep moisture in the soil. Apply a 5cm layer of garden compost or leaf mould around the base of the shrub in March.

New flower buds Camellia japonica

Camellia doesn’t flower

Camellia starts to develop new flowers buds in late summer. If a camellia has a shortage of water in late summer, the plant may drop off its buds. So water well from July till the end of September.

Winter protection

Should camellias be protected in winter. Protect camellia buds and flowers against the danger of frost and cold winds. Drape several layers of garden fleece over the shrub to prevent frost damage.

Pest and diseases

The leaves of camellia are covered with a black layer. How to get rid of sooty mould on camellias.

Plant combination

Camellias work well with Helleborus , Bergenia , Dicentra spectabilis and  Acer palmatum and Rhododendrons.

Helleborus