How to Grow a Camellia Hedge in Australia | Ultimate Backyard (2024)

FAQs

How do you grow camellias in Australia? ›

Camellias do best in soil that is well-drained, rich in organic material and slightly acidic. In areas with poorly drained or clay soil, Camellias can be planted in a raised (20 cm) gently sloping mound of free-draining soil. Many Camellias are also wonderful for growing in pots.

Camellia japonica plants make an excellent hedge, or a feature shrub in the border. Japonica camellias are typically slower growing than sasanqua so if you want a taller hedge, you'll need some patience, but that's useful if you have a small back yard.

When selecting camellias for hedging, choose named varieties that grow to the height and width required and space them 50 to 90 centimetres apart. Install a drip or micro-spray irrigation system along the length of the hedge to aid watering. Use stakes to support the new plants.

Fertilising should begin with the first signs of new growth, even though the plant may still be blooming. Feed regularly during the growing season; September, December and February with a liquid fertiliser such as Aquasol. It is important to water ground well before and after applying fertiliser.

This group of camellias includes types which are unchanged from their natural form. They are the native plants of a number of countries in Eastern Asia. There are almost 300 different species described but a large number have not been introduced into Australia.

Allow a minimum of five feet between plants, and preferably more. When planting a hedge, a distance of three feet between plants is recommended.

Camellia Japonica and Camellia Sasanquas are both Camellias, but with different qualities. Japonica's are what most people think of when they think Camellia, with the large flower that blooms in winter and early spring whereas Sasanqua's have smaller flowers and bloom in the fall.

'Olivia' is one of the fastest growing camellia sasanquas, perfect for that quick screen, or hedge. It is big and bold and will brighten any landscape. It has upright growth with lots of flowers.

Use coffee grounds as mulch for acid-loving plants — roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, evergreens, hydrangeas and camellias. They like coffee grounds for the natural acidity and nutrients they add to the soil. Sprinkle coffee grounds around areas of ant infestation to deter them.

Sasanqua camellias can reach 5 to 25 feet at maturity, depending on the variety. Japanese camellias are smaller. They can become quite dense with leaves, but grow slowly and take decades to reach heights above 6 to 8 feet.

Are camellia bushes hard to grow? ›

Camellia care is pretty simple; plant in a shade to part sun area (morning sun, afternoon shade) with rich soil. As the plants mature and the canopy provides shade to roots, they can take more sun. Camellias like ample moisture and well-drained soil. Water during dry conditions to encourage new growth.

Also, consider how much sunlight you have available: Japanese camellias do best with a bit of morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sun all day, while sasanqua camellias prefer full sun. Most camellias will survive the winter in zones 7 to 10 (plus there are some new varieties that will also survive in zone 6).

The rough rule of thumb is full sun through to part shade. Camellia plants in heavier shade will generally need more pruning to keep them bushy. Some growers recommend avoiding a position of early morning sun, as any dew or frost on the flowers can cause browning of petals when the sunlight hits the water droplets.

Camellia Sasanquas make a fine choice for a hedge with their distinct advantage of tolerating both full sun and partial shade. They display an abundance of flowers throughout autumn and glossy green foliage all year round. With an annual prune they can be kept at any desired shape and size.

Camellias were very early plant introductions to Australia and have been popular in home gardens ever since. Flowering from early autumn through winter and into early spring, they are adaptable and easily grown shrubs.

In general, camellias grow and bloom best in filtered light or partial shade, with shelter from hot afternoon sun. This is especially true for young plants, which thrive under the shade of tall trees or when grown on the north side of a house.

Camellias thrive in mild climates from California to Florida and are available in thousands of cultivars. The most common species of camellias are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. Most shrubs reach a height between six and 12 feet, and just about as wide.

Camellia are easy to grow, glossy evergreens. They are ideal for containers. Their showy flowers come in whites, pinks and reds and appear early in the season; a time when not much else is flowering.

The best time to plant camellias is in fall or early spring. Fall is best in warmer areas, as it gives the plants time to grow deep root systems without the stress of summer heat. In cooler areas, plant in the spring for best results.