How to Grow Camellias

Camellias are a very attractive low maintenance trees and shrubs. They grow in warm or cold areas in well-drained soil that is protected from direct sunlight.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick your location: The best place to plant your camellias is under a pine tree or in an area with filtered sunlight. Camellias need water; if they dry out they die. If at all possible, plant near established trees or shrubs for protection.
   

2. Choose your soil: Camellias prefer acidic soil (without limestone), which can be attained by adding the right ingredients depending on what type of soil you start with. Take a soil sample of about a cup to your local nursery for testing. This should be free of charge and is the easiest way to prepare the soil for your plants needs.

3. Plant selection: Look for the most mature and disease-free plant. Plants that are more mature will have more extensive root systems that protrude from the bottom of the container. The plant should look healthy and have uniform color leaves.

4. Prepare the Planting Bed: When you are ready to plant, dig a hole about twice as big as the plant. Turn over the soil beyond the hoe to about 3 feet in diameter if possible. Add the recommended soil fortifiers.

5. Planting Your Camellia: If you are planting in hot weather, plant your camellia early in the day or in the evening to prevent shock. Take the plant is in and give it a squeeze to loosen up the roots and allow you to remove it from the container. Grab the plant by the base of the trunk and gently tug on it. The plant should slide out easily with little resistance. If the plant does not come out easily, stop tugging and use a cutting tool to carefully cut the container away from the plant. Next, grab both sides of the root area and gently break up or scratch the roots, just enough to stimulate the plant, the way you would scratch someone’s back. This helps stimulate the plant to grow and also lets it know it is no longer in a container. Plants should be planted at the same level as they were in their container. Planting too high will allow the roots to be exposed, while planting too low will not allow the plant to breathe at the base of its trunk and it will suffocate.

6. Water your camellia after planting. This is vital to a plant's survival. In hot areas, do not water the foliage as it will burn the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Water your plant regularly. Camellias need regular predictable, watering to survive. As with all plants, regular watering allows plants to thrive, fight off disease and increase their resistance to pests.
• Avoid planting in soggy soil.