The Care and Culture Of
Camellias
Article about Camellia Plants
by Peter Damien Ryan
There are
over 180 other species of camellia, but basically the care and culture of camellias is similar. They are not
difficult to grow, being hardy and relatively
trouble-free.
They require
little care and there is a Camellia for every position in any garden design and
they will reward you with their beautiful floral display and deep green foliage
which is attractive in itself during the non-flowering times.
One of the
better things about camellias is their longevity, some lasting over
100 years and more. And if you mix the varieties (e.g. Japonica and Sasanqua)
you will have flowering over longer periods as they do not bloom at the same
time.
Growing
Conditions
While it is true that Japonica camellias like dappled shade, even they can thrive in full sunlight if they are hardened to it gradually. Indeed camellias will thrive is a wide range of conditions - temperate zones with a Mediterranean climate to areas where humidity is prevalent. There is usually a variety that will best suit your region and its climate. If you attempt to grow those that prefer cooler climates in a hotter or more humid area, then you will have to work hard to protect it.
While it is true that Japonica camellias like dappled shade, even they can thrive in full sunlight if they are hardened to it gradually. Indeed camellias will thrive is a wide range of conditions - temperate zones with a Mediterranean climate to areas where humidity is prevalent. There is usually a variety that will best suit your region and its climate. If you attempt to grow those that prefer cooler climates in a hotter or more humid area, then you will have to work hard to protect it.
From
personal experience I have had Japonicas that were protected by a nearby tree; and when we took it down the camellias
were exposed to full sun. Initially, the foliage started to burn, but this was
arrested when I sprayed a moisture retaining solution over them. They now do
not even require that - and the display of flowers is abundant.
However, it
is better, if you can, to choose positions based on the variety e.g. japonicas
for dappled shade (filtered light) and sasanquas can grow in full sun and
flourish best in it.
Flowering
Times
While some camellias will bloom in Autumn, generally Japonicas flower in winter and can have blooms from 2 to 6 inches in size. The form can vary from single, semi double, peony form, anemone form, formal double and rose form double with color variations ranging from pure white to cream, pinks and red - with variations of those colors.
While some camellias will bloom in Autumn, generally Japonicas flower in winter and can have blooms from 2 to 6 inches in size. The form can vary from single, semi double, peony form, anemone form, formal double and rose form double with color variations ranging from pure white to cream, pinks and red - with variations of those colors.
Early
varieties of Sasanqua camellias will start flowering in late summer, and others
in early winter. So if you mix the two varieties, you can have a longer
flowering period. Their flowers and leaves tend to be smaller than Japonicas,
As Sasanquas
respond well to pruning they can be used as hedges and make a
beautiful display when in bloom. They also respond to espaliering and container
growing.
Camellias
are suited as stand-alone specimens or in mass plantings They also look great when mixed with
other plants such as azaleas and brunfelsias (yesterday, today &
tomorrow). Depending on the type, they will grow (somewhat slowly) from 3 foot to
15 feet
Care
Camellias can be safely pruned and shaped. They do need good soil, slightly acidic and well-drained. I tend to feed them only once after flowering and leave it then to the compost and mulch. While they will survive neglect, they perform better with some TLC.
Camellias can be safely pruned and shaped. They do need good soil, slightly acidic and well-drained. I tend to feed them only once after flowering and leave it then to the compost and mulch. While they will survive neglect, they perform better with some TLC.
Keep the water up if you experience an exceptionally hot
and dry period.
Not as
common generally, is the Reticulata variety of camellias - considered to be the
'glamor girls' of camellias. They produce quite large blooms with spectacular colors bordering on the
flamboyant.
They are
fairly hardy and will tolerate a reasonable amount of direct sunlight.
Would you
like to learn more or keep updated for tips about gardening?
If so sign up for our FREE new Gardening Newsletter - which will also give you a link to our FREE e-book Better House & Garden
Peter Damien Ryan is a landscape and gardening expert and can be reached at Better House and Garden.net
If so sign up for our FREE new Gardening Newsletter - which will also give you a link to our FREE e-book Better House & Garden
Peter Damien Ryan is a landscape and gardening expert and can be reached at Better House and Garden.net
Related Post:
