Handy hints

Soil

An acid soil is needed. If pot grown use an ericaceous compost.

Watering

In the wild camellias grow in a moist climate so keep them moist but never sodden. Do not neglect watering in late summer through to early spring, especially in pot grown plants. This will prevent bud drop. Never wet ahead of an anticipated big freeze. Soft water or rain water is a must, hard tap water will slowly change the soil or compost from acid to alkaline and the camellia will turn yellow.

Outdoor planting

Choose a warm, even hot location that also offers light shade, and away from the milder South West Counties, a site that protects the plant from early morning sun exposure. A fast thaw under the morning sun may damage frosted buds. Plant with generous addition of moisture retaining humus (peat, leaf mould, compost etc, but not mushroom compost which contains lime).

Pot growing

Use an ericaceous compost. Camellias are an excellent patio plant and good for a cool conservatory when the flowers are larger than if grown outdoors. They can be used briefly as a house plant but only for a limited period as the buds begin to fatten and colour. Remove to outside after flowering (three to five weeks). The higher the temperature the shorter the flowering period.

Feeding

Moderate but regular feeding March to July, eg general liquid feed along with watering changing to tomato feed in June and July. For plants in open ground 2 applications of Vitax Q4 or similar.

Pruning

Do not be afraid to prune quite drastically if it is ever needed. Prune away long growth or punch-out tip growth to tighten and shape plant immediately after flowering, but not later than mid May.

Shade

Too much sun can cause sun scald on leaves of some varieties. This is a paling or yellowing of the leaves and is often found in white or pale coloured varieties. A shady site will rectify this.

Frost

Frost may harm opened flowers but will not harm un-opened buds. The bush after a frost will subsequently re-flush with new blooms. Unlike rhododendron, camellias bloom successively and not in one flush. Do not allow a pot root ball to freeze hard. Root freezing is not likely to be a problem with plants in open ground. An organic mulch will help to prevent such a freeze and will conserve moisture too.

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