How to Grow and Care for Camellias In general, Camellias are pretty easy to look after and are generally classed as low maintenance shrubs. However, giving them the right start in life will certainly help them stick around longer. Whether you’re planting one for the first time or just looking to rejuvenate existing plants, proper care will ensure healthy growth and great flowering each year. Choosing the Right Camellia Picking the right camellia for your garden depends will largely depend on the space you have and your personal preference. If you have a smaller garden, compact varieties like Camellia ‘Mrs Swan’ work well in containers or small beds. If you’re looking for an early bloomer, Camellia sasanqua flowers in autumn, while Camellia japonica produces large, bold flowers in late winter and early spring. Camellias also come in a variety of colours from crisp whites to deep reds. Some, like Camellia ‘Debbie’, have soft pink flowers and others, such as Camellia ‘Black Lace’, have rich, almost crimson petals. Choosing a variety that suits your garden’s colour scheme ensures a balanced and striking display. Planting & Establishment Camellias grow best when planted at the right time and in the right conditions. When to Plant – Autumn or early spring is ideal in order to give roots the correct time to establish before the colder weather sets in. Soil Requirements – Camellias prefer acidic, well-drained soil (pH 5.5–6.5). If your garden has alkaline soil, planting in a pot with ericaceous compost is a good alternative. Positioning – Camellias grow best in partial shade and like to be sheltered from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun. Planting Depth – Keep the rootball slightly above ground level and avoid covering the stem with soil as this can potentially lead to rot. Watering & Feeding Camellias, like many other plants need the right balance of moisture to thrive and are acid loving plants, so bare that in mind. Watering Needs – Keeping the soil evenly moist is key, especially during dry spells. Camellias dislike waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential. If grown in pots, ensure excess water can drain freely. Feeding – Use an ericaceous (acid-loving) fertiliser in spring and midsummer to promote healthy foliage and encourage strong flowering the following year. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nutrients can cause weak growth. Pruning & General Maintenance Camellias require minimal pruning, but occasional shaping helps maintain their appearance and encourages better flowering. When to Prune – Light pruning is best done after flowering to remove weak, damaged, or overcrowded branches. Avoid cutting back too hard as camellias do not respond well to heavy pruning. Encouraging Flowering – Removing spent flowers can improve the shrub’s overall health and direct more energy into new growth. Common Issues & Solutions Even with the right care, camellias can sometimes develop problems. Yellowing Leaves – Often a sign of alkaline soil, which prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients. Applying an ericaceous feed or mulching with an acidic organic matter can help. Bud Drop – If flower buds form but fail to open, inconsistent watering is often to blame. Keeping the soil evenly moist helps prevent this. Leaf Burn – Strong sun and drying winds can scorch leaves and will cause brown patches to occur so planting is advised in a more sheltered spot. Seasonal Care Each season brings different tasks to keep your camellia shrub healthy, but remember, these are winter-flowering shrubs. Winter Protection – Although hardy, younger camellias benefit from a layer of mulch around their base to protect roots from frost. In particularly cold areas, covering with horticultural fleece during severe weather can prevent damage. Spring & Summer Maintenance – Keep an eye on watering during dry spells, especially for container-grown plants. Applying a second feed in midsummer encourages healthy growth for the following season. With the right care, camellias will reward you with glossy evergreen leaves and reliable flowering every year. Whether growing in beds, borders, or containers, these shrubs make a stunning and low-maintenance addition to any garden. Buy Camellias online today through the Trees Direct online store. BACK TO ARTICLES
