How To Grow Camellias

When you are first growing a camellia plant it will require regular and generous irrigation until the root system is established.

How to grow camellias. Nobody could call young camellias drought-resistant. Use a soil-based peat-free ericaceous compost mix and a pot that is at least 30cm wide. This carries them through until fall while they prepare for rest and beautiful blooms.

Alternatively make your own mix by mixing coarse peat moss or small pine bark with coarse sand in equal parts. Caring for camellias will include water and fertilizer. FEED twice a year in early spring to boost growth and later in summer for more flowers and further growth.

Position in a spot appropriate to the chosen variety and fill with quality potting mix such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Camellias are generally hardy RHS hardiness rating H5 but Camellia sasanqua is slightly more tender H4 and may need winter protection in particularly cold winters or in freezing winds. Fill the container with a potting mix containing 50 percent or more organic material.

High pH levels will cause stress and yellowing leaves. Wholesale nurseries who supply retail outlets must restrict the catalogue of plants they grow. Avoid late-season feedings which encourage vulnerable new growth and inhibit hardiness.

If you want your Camellias to extend its flowering period the best way to achieve it is to place the plant inside the greenhouse. They perform poorly in soils that have a high pH level and plant growth will become stunted and leaves will likely yellow in. 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.

Camellias grow best in a pH range of 55 to 65. Choose camellias that will grow well in your garden conditions. Camellias grow well in pots and this is a good option if you dont have acidic soil in your garden.