The trade likes to offer camellias as hardy and easy to care for, but often also as a houseplant. However, both of these only apply to a limited extent. Newer breeds are designed for winter hardiness, but other varieties only tolerate the cold to a very limited extent.

Older camellias with good winter protection tolerate frosts well

How much frost can the camellia really tolerate?

How much frost a camellia can tolerate depends largely on its age. In the first few years she can freeze to death very easily. During this time she should spend the winter in a frost-free environment. After about four years, the camellia is considered conditionally hardy, so it survives light frost down to about - 5 °C without major damage.

How do I winterize my camellia?

If your camellia stays outside in the garden over the winter, you should winterize the plant. Above all, protect the roots from freezing. Cover the bale with a thick layer of leaves and/or brushwood. A coconut mat is also suitable for protection.

Above-ground plant parts are best protected against frost with special plant fleece. In a very mild area or in a sheltered corner of the garden, the camellia will often survive without additional protection. Only water the plant on frost-free days, otherwise the water will freeze before the camellia can absorb it.

What does a good winter quarters look like?

Ideally, the winter quarters for your camellia should be bright and around 10 °C to 15 °C warm, but at least frost-free. If you have a greenhouse or a conservatory, you can usually overwinter the camellia there. But don't forget to water the plant, because camellias need enough water even in winter. Once the root ball dries out completely, the whole camellia dries up easily.

The essentials in brief:

  • usually only conditionally hardy
  • young camellias must be wintered frost-free and bright
  • not overwinter too warm
  • incorrect overwintering is at the expense of flowering
  • Protect camellia well outdoors
  • Absolutely avoid wetness
  • Don't let the root ball dry out

tips

The camellia needs a cold stimulus so that its buds can mature and the plant can bloom.

Category:

Vegetable garden