The camellia can hardly be described as really easy to care for, but it is not complicated to care for either. If the location and soil are right, then at least the most important prerequisites for a long life of this very attractive plant are given.

A good location is essential for the camellia to thrive

location and soil

The camellia needs a lot of light so that its flowers can develop optimally. However, it must not be too warm, because the camellia likes it rather cool. It does not tolerate the midday sun in summer very well, nor does it tolerate the morning sun in winter. Then it dries up easily. A location in the light shade is therefore ideal.

The soil should be fresh to light and slightly acidic. Therefore, you can combine the camellia well with rhododendrons or dogwoods, which have similar soil requirements as the camellia. Waterlogging should be avoided as well as the complete drying out of the root ball.

Plant and transplant properly

The camellia is ideal as a solitary plant, for example in a Japanese garden, but also for planting in containers on the balcony or terrace. As a pure houseplant, on the other hand, it does not feel very comfortable. An unheated conservatory, on the other hand, is almost ideal. Transplanting is usually not necessary outdoors, but should be done after flowering if necessary.

For outdoor planting, dig a hole at least twice the size of your camellia's root ball and fill about halfway with fresh rhododendron soil. Insert the plant and completely fill the planting hole with rhododendron soil. Additional fertilizer is then no longer required. Press down the soil and water the camellia well.

The camellia in the pot

Even if you want to plant your camellia in a pot, you should use rhododendron soil. This will ensure that the soil has the required pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. As an alternative to this special soil, you can mix lime-free compost, peat and leaf soil in equal parts.

Water and fertilize camellias properly

During the growth phase and the flowering period, the camellia needs quite a lot of water. Then it should be watered regularly (about once a week) and abundantly, but in such a way that no waterlogging occurs.

The camellia needs fertilizer mainly in the period when it forms new buds, in most cases from May to around August. A rhododendron fertilizer is best suited, also in the form of a long-term fertilizer.

Pruning camellias properly

The camellia usually tolerates pruning quite well. Ideally, it should be done in the spring. Up to two thirds of the shoots may be cut off. However, always pay attention to a harmonious overall picture of the plant.

Remove dry and/or diseased shoots first with every pruning, preferably as soon as you notice them. After flowering, cut off the withered inflorescences. The camellia is also suitable as a cut flower for the vase.

The camellia in winter

Camellias are usually not really hardy, but mostly tolerate frost, at least for a short time. In a mild area (Rheingraben or wine-growing region], the camellia can remain in the garden all year round with appropriate winter protection, but it also needs sufficient watering during this time so that the root ball does not dry out.

It is best to overwinter your camellia in a pot frost-free, but cool and bright, ideally in a greenhouse or conservatory that is not too warm. Without a cool winter break, the camellia will not bloom.

diseases and pests

A pest infestation does occur with camellias. Mealybugs are relatively common. However, the white web on the leaves is easy to recognize, so you can react quickly to an infestation. Otherwise, a fungal infection may also occur. The sooty mold shows up as a black coating on the leaves. Aphids, scale insects and thrips also occasionally occur on camellia.

The essentials in brief:

  • Location: sunny to semi-shady, no morning sun in winter, no midday sun in summer
  • Soil: slightly acidic and slightly moist
  • evergreen
  • Flowers: similar to peonies, up to 15 cm in diameter
  • Flower color: white, pink or red
  • Flowering time: between September and May, depending on the variety and climate
  • Flowering temperature: maximum 12 °C to 16 °C
  • only conditionally hardy
  • Overwintering not above 10 °C

tips

If you primarily ensure a suitable location and the right soil, then the rest of the care of the camellia is no longer too difficult.

Category:

Vegetable garden