20
Feb

Camellia’s – Planting and care

Camellias are very popular for good reason, they are easy to grow, evergreen, and they have large flowers at a time when not much else is happening in the garden.

Planting

There are a few different types of camellia available so make sure you check the species that you are planting. However, as a general rule they will grow well in most places, prefering part shade. They can get very big so also bear this in mind. If you want it to stay small then pick a type that will remain smaller, don’t assume that you can keep it small by pruning as this will reduce flowering.

As with lot of plants, autumn is the best time to plant as the soil will be warm and moist

They will grow well in containers if fed and watered regularly

They like ericaceous soil so plant with a bag of ericaceous compost to give it a good start.

Care

Once established they will not need too much care, as mentioned, they do like ericaceous soil so a suitable feed would help. Watering during the dry summer months will also pay off with more flowers in the spring as this is when the buds are developing.

Pruning

Ideally a camellia should not be pruned as it will reduce flowering. If you do need to prune it then do it as soon as the flowering has finished, if you prune at any other time then you will be taking next years buds off and so won’t get many flowers.

If you do need to severely cut back a camellia that has become too big then it is best done just after flowering but it could be a few years before they will flower again.

Facts

  • Camellia belongs to the tea family and can be used to make a drink
  • Camellias will often produce more flower buds than they can cope with so will drop them through the year
  • Camellias can live for up to 200 years old in the wild
Camellia grow and prune