- Which location is suitable?
- What soil does Camellia japonica thrive in?
- When is the best time to plant?
- How to properly plant camellias
- When does the camellia bloom?
- Can the camellia propagate itself?
- tips and tricks
camellias, bot. Camellia japonica, are among the most interesting flowering plants for hobby gardeners. They are wrongly considered difficult to keep. If you create the right conditions, you can enjoy her beautiful flowers for many years.
The camellia thrives best in the sun and does not tolerate sub-zero temperatures.
Which location is suitable?
Camellias need to be very bright. 16 hours of light per day is ideal. The plants do not tolerate direct sunlight. This would burn the leaves.
The location must not be too warm either. A spot where the ambient temperature at flowering is between 12 and 16 degrees is optimal.
A good location can be:
- Sheltered place on the terrace
- Bright, unheated hallway
- Cool entrance area
- Unheated greenhouse
What soil does Camellia japonica thrive in?
Camellias like a low PH soil, similar to rhododendrons or azaleas. So-called bog bed soil can be bought in specialist shops.
You can also mix the soil yourself from compost, peat or coniferous soil and some clay. Coniferous earth can be found under fir, pine or spruce trees.
Camellias do not tolerate waterlogging at all. Ensure good drainage in the bucket.
When is the best time to plant?
It is best to plant camellias in spring.
How to properly plant camellias
The Camellia japonica is a flat-rooted plant. Don't put the plant too deep in the ground. It is ideal if the root ball protrudes slightly above the ground.
Before planting, you may prune the roots slightly if necessary.
When does the camellia bloom?
Flowering indoors lasts from December to February. For a strong and long-lasting flowering, the plant should not be warmer than 16 degrees.
Can the camellia propagate itself?
Camellia japonica is propagated by cuttings that you cut in August. The shoots must not be woody and should be 10 to 15 centimeters long.
The cuttings are placed in substrate and rooted at 25 degrees under foil.
tips and tricks
In summer, the camellia is best cared for in a sheltered spot on the patio. You only have to bring the plant indoors when the temperatures drop below freezing.