The camellia often blooms in winter, long before other plants think about it. This makes this plant particularly attractive for many garden owners and hobby gardeners. Unfortunately, camellias suffer from frost damage again and again.
Blossoms in the snow are not uncommon for camellias
Camellias are often offered as hardy, although this is only partially true. Therefore, you should take this claim with a pinch of salt. The same applies, by the way, when camellias are sold as houseplants. These plants feel relatively comfortable at temperatures between + 5°C and + 19 °C. It shouldn't get significantly warmer or colder in the long term.
Are there hardy camellias at all?
Young camellias are almost always sensitive to frost. Only after a few years are they able to overwinter outside, at least in a mild region. However, most species are only conditionally hardy, they only tolerate slight frost for a short time. Among the newer breeds, on the other hand, hardy species can also be found.
How do I protect my camellia from frost damage?
If you live in a mild region (wine-growing area, Rheingraben or similar), you can overwinter your camellia in the garden. However, a prerequisite for a successful hibernation is that the plant is at least four years old, is in a wind-protected location and is protected from surprising frost. A thick layer of bark mulch or leaves over the root ball is usually sufficient.
In a region with particularly cold and/or long winters, it is better to move your camellia to a suitable winter quarters. It should be cool and light there. A cold greenhouse or a slightly heated conservatory is ideal. But don't forget to water your camellia there. As an evergreen plant, it needs regular watering.
The essentials in brief:
- usually only conditionally hardy
- always sensitive to frost in the first few years
- only overwinter older plants outdoors in mild climates
- ideal winter quarters: cool and bright (cold greenhouse, little heated conservatory)
- water even in winter
- Cut back in spring
tips
If you want to remove shoots that have been damaged by frost, then wait until (late) spring to do so, as camellias often sprout again.