Camellia care guide
Camellias are an extremely useful plant to have in a garden. They are extremely hardy and can tolerate periods of frost and periods of drought. With beautiful glossy foliage, a huge range of colours through Winter, and the ability to fill a shady spot in the garden, this is a plant that works well in so many situations. Also great for pots, you can also add one or two to a courtyard garden or balcony.
Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua are the camellias most people commonly grow. The main differences between the two are:
Japonica: Large glossy leaves, flowers for several months coming to a peak usually between mid August to mid September
Sasanqua: Flowers earlier in the season (usually between April to July), smaller leaves, more leggy habit and can drop more petals than the japonica, more sun tolerant, better suited to hedging or espalier.
Caring for your Camellia
Plant your camellia in rich, well drained, slightly acidic soil, so will benefit from the addition of well rotted manure and compost.
Although drought tolerant, you will get the best out of your camellia if you keep it well watered. Keep an eye on your watering as seasons change, as wet roots can cause fungal problems.
Fertilise in early Spring after flowering (and before it starts to put on new growth), and then again in mid Summer. A few handfuls of sulphate of potash just before flowering will help with flower development. If buds are forming but flowers aren’t opening, try an application of Epsom salts (2tsp in a 10L watering can).
Prune after flowering before the new growth has begun. Remove dead wood and thin out any branches that are growing where you don’t want them. Don’t worry too much about how hard/how much you should cut back, they tolerate a good prune and new growth will come back in Spring.
