Camellias can sometimes be a bit tricky to get planted and established but by following these steps you should have a long love affair with your camellia. After all, some of them have been known to grow for over 100 years!
So when purchasing your camellia you should know that there are different camellias. Some are Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Camellia x williamsii, Camellia reticulata, Camellia oleifera and Camellia chrysantha. No matter which one you are growing the basics for planting them are the same.
Where to Plant Camellias
You should choose a site where there is good drainage, protection from winter and summer wind but has good air circulation and gets morning sun and at least partial afternoon shade from the hottest part of the day.
What You Need To Plant Camellias
You will need a shovel, a hand trowel, a garden hose at minimum.Add some well-rotted compost and mix it in. You want a good organic soil that holds some moisture but is well draining because camellias do not like wet feet.
Camellias Spacing
To determine spacing between plants, you will need to know the mature width of the plant. If the mature width is 6 feet wide, then plant camellias at least 6 feet apart, center on center. If you are growing a hedge or border, you can plant slightly closer than that (5 feet apart in the example above).
It should also be at least 4 ft. away from a building. Never ever plant camellias or any plant near a furnace exhaust vent which will kill the plants.
Steps To Plant Camellias
Step 1 - Prepare the area for planting, remove all weeds, rocks and any other debris that might be there.
Step 2 - Loosen the soil with a shovel or garden fork at least twice as wide as the root ball or container and to the same depth as the root ball or container.
Step 3 - Plant your camellia slightly higher to allow any excess water to drain away from the plant. This does not mean planting it on top of the soil so 2 inches is sufficient.
Step 4 - Water deeply to encourage those deep roots especially while getting the plant established.
Step 5 - Fertilize once a year with a slow release fertilizer such as Espoma Holly Tone which is designed for acid loving plants. Too much fertilizer and you won’t get any blooms. Do NOT fertilize at the same time you plant.
When to Plant Camellias
The best time of the year to plant camellias is late fall to early spring. Although, you can plant these anytime throughout the year given extra care and attention. The ground should also not be frozen if you plan on planting them.
Best Soil For Camellias
Camellias do best in an acidic soil (6.0-6.5) so a soil test is highly recommended. You can get one from the land grant university in your state. You can contact your local extension agent for more information on where to get one. The soil needs to be well drained so the roots do not stay wet for long periods of time.
As camellias grow, they will develop deep roots to help anchor them into the ground but will also spread out feeder roots to take in moisture and nutrients. While they should never stay soggy, the soil should stay evenly moist.
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FAQs
When it comes to choosing camellia plant companions, consider plants such as hostas, rhododendrons, ferns, or azaleas. Camellias are shallow-rooted plants, which means they won't thrive next to trees or shrubs with long, complex root systems. For instance, you may want to avoid poplars, willows, or elms.
Where should you not plant a camellia? ›
Do not plant where shade trees with shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water. Plants in the sun may suffer scald on the leaves or leaves may appear yellow rather than deep green. Plants of Camellia sasanqua generally do better in the sun than those of C. japonica.
What is the best time to plant camellias? ›
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.
Should you stake a camellia? ›
It is advisable to stake your camellia when you plant. As your sasanqua grows the new growth often bends over until the wood hardens. By staking you will produce a larger plant more quickly. Drive the stake in 3-5cm from the trunk and loosely tie the plant to the stake with soft twine, velcro strips or linen, etc.
Do camellias like Miracle Grow? ›
Description. Help acid-loving plants like azalea, camellia, gardenia, hibiscus, holly, hydrangea, orchids, rhododendron, and many others thrive with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant food.
Do coffee grounds help camellias? ›
Please the 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.
Do camellias need a lot of water? ›
If you're worried about water usage, camellias only require medium watering during summer growth months and light watering the rest of the year. Overwatering, in fact, is dangerous for camellias, so be sure they are in soil that drains well and allow the top five inches of soil to dry out between irrigation cycles.
Do camellias spread? ›
Mature Height/Spread. Common Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) is a broadleaved, evergreen shrub, which may grow to a height of 25 feet, but more often to 6 to 12 feet. It has a spread of 6 to 10 feet.
Are camellias best in pots or ground? ›
Camellias grow well in pots and this is a good option if you don't have acidic soil in your garden. Use a soil-based, peat-free ericaceous compost mix and a pot that is at least 30cm wide. Before you start, water the camellia thoroughly (ideally with rainwater) in its original pot.
What shrubs can I plant with camellias? ›
Acid-Loving Shrubs
When selecting partners for camellias, look for plants that share the same need for acidic soils. Shrubs that fit the bill include rhododendron, azalea, pieris, deutzia, hydrangea, and gardenia.
Full Sun Sasanqua Camellias. Camellia Sasanqua is an early flowering variety that prefers to grow in full sun. Sasanqua camellias are hardy and easy to grow in zones 7-9. They tend to have a shorter, shrubbier growth habit than their japonica cousins.
Do camellias have invasive root systems? ›
Do camellias have invasive roots? In general, camellias do not have invasive roots. While they do have strong, thick roots, these tend to grow near the surface and don't go deep down into the soil. That's why it's important to keep your camellias well mulched to keep the roots cool.
What to feed camellias after flowering? ›
Fertilising Camellias
Key feeding times are autumn as buds are developing and in spring once flowering has finished and they are about to put on new growth. Feed with things like manure, compost or a Certified Organic fertiliser like Rooster Booster as all will add nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
