Camellias are evergreen flowering plants that are native to Eastern and Southern Asia. These shrubs or small trees have large beautiful camellia flowers and shiny foliage. Camellia Japonica and Camellia Sasanqua are the 2 main types of ornamental camellias.
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When planting Camellia bushes, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and not quite as deep as the root ball is tall. Place your plant evenly in the hole. The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the existing soil line. Backfill with the soil you removed. Water deeply until the water begins to pool on the surface of the ground. Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch to reduce watering needs, protect the roots, and help eliminate weeds. Water daily for the first week and 2 to 3 times weekly for the first 2 to 3 months until your plant is established.
These flower bushes prefer part sun to part shade sunlight conditions and fertile, acidic, moist, but well drained soil. Water requirements do diminish as the plant ages and is able to shade its own roots. Mulching is a good way to keep the roots cool, soil moist, and add nutrients to the soil. Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer in spring. Read about Growing Camellias in Pots to learn how to care for Camellia plants grown in containers.
Camellia bushes do not require pruning. However large or overgrown bushes can benefit from some rejuvenation pruning. Use loppers or pruning shears to remove any dead, broken, or weak stems. Prune all the way to the ground or to the next branch juncture. Trim back any overgrown, crossed, or crowded branches and any small branches around the base of the plant. To control height and create a bushier shape trim back new growth to a bud.
Heavy Camellia pruning should be reserved for right after the flowers have stopped blooming, This will be late fall to late winter for the Sasanqua Camellia (varying with different varieties) and mid to late spring for Camellia japonica. Prune anytime to remove dead or broken branches or snip of a rogue awkward shoot.
Browse our Flowering Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deer Resistant Plants for more options.
