The camellia is not a popular garden plant for nothing, as it blooms when other plants are still dormant. Unfortunately, the camellia is a bit finicky about where it is placed and the care it requires.
The camellia likes it bright but not too sunny
What does a camellia need to thrive?
Although the camellia needs a lot of light, it does not tolerate heat or the blazing midday sun in summer. It prefers a rather cool location. The camellia usually withstands light frost quite well, at least in old age. Icy wind, on the other hand, quickly leads to frostbite. Waterlogging is also not good for the camellia. It therefore needs protection from frost and moisture in winter.
Camellias prefer a slightly acidic and moist soil, similar to the rhododendron or bog plants. It is best to plant your camellia in rhododendron or peat soil, even if you want to cultivate the plant in a pot. In summer, a camellia feels quite comfortable in the garden, even on the bright balcony or terrace, provided they are not south-facing.
The camellia is not well suited as a houseplant. In most living rooms it is too warm for this plant. A cool bedroom would be more appropriate, but is often too dark. The camellia fares much better in a bright but not too warm conservatory or a cold greenhouse.
The ideal location for camellias:
- bright but not in full sun
- cool
- slightly acidic and moist soil
- no formation of waterlogging
- preferably sheltered from the wind
tips
The right location is very important for the camellia to flower, because if it doesn't feel good, it won't flower either.