With the right winter protection, camellias can brave the freezing cold outside in the garden. Camellia japonica are out of place on balconies and terraces in winter. Don't miss out on these tips so that you can overwinter your camellias safely in beds and tubs.

Although the camellia is hardy, it should still be protected

Overwinter garden camellias - never without protective measures

Camellias planted in the bed are on the safe side with winter protection. That always makes sense in our latitudes in view of the capricious wintry weather. Sudden cold snaps don't care which hardiness zone they strike in. How to do it right:

  • Pile up the root disc 20 cm high with leaves and needle brushwood, bark mulch or compost
  • Shrub covered with a breathable frost protection fleece

The winter hood fulfills two important tasks. Flower buds that have been created freeze to death at temperatures as low as -3° Celsius. The combination of freezing temperatures and blazing winter sun causes irreversible cracks in the bark and leaves the leaves withering.

Overwinter camellias in buckets under glass

Camellias bravely endure in pots on balconies and terraces down to -3° Celsius. In severe frost, wintering outside becomes a tightrope act because the buds freeze and the root ball in the pot is vulnerable to cold damage. Placing them in winter quarters solves the problem. It depends on important framework conditions so that the evergreen shrubs start their late winter blossom festival on time. How to properly overwinter camellias in a pot:

  • In the fall, move to a corner sheltered from the wind and rain
  • Leave camellias outside in the pot until it has reached freezing point
  • Place the tub in a bright, frost-free room without direct sunlight
  • Ideal temperatures between 7° and 12° Celsius
  • Gladly with camellia-friendly humidity of 50% to 60%

Fresh air supply is desirable and beneficial. However, your camellias should not be exposed to cold drafts. Because all evergreen flowers keep evaporating moisture in winter, please water with soft water every now and then. A pouring indicator that you stick into the substrate is practical. A look at the clear scale is enough to ensure that you water your camellias at exactly the right time.

Recommended winter quarters

Camellias prefer to spend the winter in a light-flooded, temperate conservatory or on a glazed terrace. If a glass refuge is not available, investing in a winter tent is worthwhile. The practical tents are made of greenhouse film, (15.90 €) are very easy to set up and easy to temper with a frost guard.

Clear out camellias early

The shorter the time you stay in the winter quarters, the more magnificent the blooming of your camellias. Clear out the flower beauties in the tub as soon as the freezing point is exceeded outside. A base made of wood or styrofoam prevents the cold ground from rising into the root ball.

tips

The best time to prune camellias is after they have bloomed. The time window is open between early May and mid-June if you want to cut Camellia japonica in beds or pots. In early summer, the ornamental shrubs lay their buds for the next flowering period. This is not opposed to the fact that you cut back one or the other disturbing shoot before you put it in.

Category:

Vegetable garden