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- Gardeners’ Corner
- Nursery Notes
- Camellias
- How to grow camellias
How to grow camellias
Camellias are an essential part of the winter and spring scene and no garden is complete without them. Their bold evergreen foliage is indispensable for giving form and structure, but it is for the exquisite beauty of the blooms that they are so prized. Flowering can begin as early as November and frequently carries on until April. They are perfect for the mixed border, woodland gardens or in patio containers provided their cultural requirements are met.
Where should I plant a camellia?
Camellias dislike lime and grow best in a neutral or acid soil; (pH 7 or below) that is humus-rich, moist and free-draining. They are happiest in a semi -shaded position with a westerly or sheltered northerly aspect. It is important to avoid south or east facing positions because the flowers may be spoilt by the early morning sun following frosty nights. Bear in mind that they will not tolerate an exposed windy position or a soil which tends to become waterlogged in wet weather. The light dappled shade provided by trees and other shrubs is ideal as long as there is sufficient moisture at the roots.
How should I plant my camellia?
Camellias may be planted at any time of year provided that the ground is not too frosty. Incorporate plenty of peat, ericaceous compost or leaf mould into the planting area and, when planting against a wall (or fence), ensure that your hole is at least 30cm (12”) away from the wall so that the natural rainfall is available to the plant. This will also prevent too much moisture being sucked out of the root ball by the wall. Taller plants may need staking for the first year or two.
Aftercare
It is essential that newly planted camellias are kept well watered during dry spells in the first few years after planting as leaves and flower buds will drop if young plants are allowed to dry out. A mulch of peat applied in early spring will be beneficial in retaining moisture during the summer months. Feed three times a year with a sequestered iron fertiliser to maintain strong healthy growth and to encourage plenty of flowers. Use a systemic insecticide in June or July to prevent attack by scale insects, the most common insect pest of camellias.
Pruning is not usually necessary but, where needed, should be carried out immediately after flowering. Carefully deadhead all camellias after flowering with the exception of the Camellia x williamsii types.
Camellia sasnaqua
Please note that hybrids of Camellia sasanqua are slightly tender, requiring winter protection in all areas of the UK apart from the southern and western coastal fringes. They are best suited to pot culture: give them a warm, sheltered patio in the summer and a cool conservatory for the rest of the year.
Camellias in containers
When growing a camellia in a container use an ericaceous (i.e. lime-free) potting compost. Choose a generously sized pot several sizes bigger than the pot your camellia is supplied in and be aware that, in years to come, re-potting to a larger size may be necessary. Place some broken crocks at the bottom of the container for drainage and plant as normal. Be diligent with watering at all times of the year: the plant must not be allowed to dry out and should be kept moist not sodden. The container should be protected during a severe or prolonged period of frost. If the compost remains frozen for long spells the plant can actually suffer from dehydration and in extreme conditions the roots will be killed. The container (not the plant) can be wrapped in hessian or bubble wrap. Alternatively, the plant can be moved into a cold greenhouse, a cool conservatory or a similar well lit frost free structure; this may cause it to flower slightly earlier than plants in the garden.
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