How to Grow Camellia

Camellia are evergreen shrubs with exquisitely rich and glossy leaves with either singular blooms or clusters of cup-shaped flowers that create a show-stopping display throughout winter and early spring. Camellia look the most attractive in flower beds and borders within cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see your plants grow to an approximate height and spread of 1.5 -2.5m (5-8”). Camellia are native to Taiwan.

Camellia are best planted in moist but well-drained soil of sand, clay and loam within an acidic or neutral PH balance. If you have chalky soil, Camellia should be grown in containers with peat-based compost. Take care when choosing a planting position – if Camellia are being planted in exposed areas, they may need to be staked. At the time of planting, amend the planting area with leaf mould or manure with a small amount of fertiliser as this will encourage healthy growth and development.

Camellia are resilient plants that should be lightly pruned if you are unhappy with the structure or shape and this can be conducted just after the flowering period before the soft new growth emerges. Other than for improving the shape of your plant there is no need to prune your Camellia as this can in fact cause detriment to your plant.

It is possible to propagate Camellia by leaf bud or semi-ripe cuttings taken from the present year’s growth between late summer to late winter.