How to Feed Camelias

Camelias only require light feeding.

Camelias have glossy, evergreen leaves and large, showy, circular blossoms. The blossoms can be double- or single-petaled with a yellowish center. The flowers come in hues ranging from reds and pinks to whites. The variety sinensis is cultivated for its leaves to be used in tea. While it does help the plant to fertilize, it is best to do so sparingly, as overdoing fertilization interrupts the plant's natural growth pattern. Plants receiving too much fertilizer will not grow in the tighter, clumped shrubs the plant naturally prefers.

Things You'll Need

• Camelia
• Water
• Cotton seed meal
• Mulch
• Nitrogen-heavy fertilizer
• Phosphorous and potassium-heavy fertilizer

Instructions

1. Allow the camelia to develop without feeding during its initial year of growth. During its second year, apply between 8 and 16 oz. of cotton seed meal, found at a local nursery, to each camelia plant at the start of the growing season, incorporating it into the soil around the plant. Water well to avoid chemical burn. Cover with a layer of mulch to keep moisture in.

2. Observe the plant for its growth patterns. If it seems to have developed to an adequate size during its first year, you can apply fertilizer with higher phosphorous and potassium for overall nutrition, such as 4-8-8. It is more likely you will want to encourage more growth and, therefore, look for a fertilizer such as 12-4-8 or 10-10-10, which contains more nitrogen.

3. Apply the appropriate fertilizer in early spring, late spring, and mid-summer. Follow specific directions on the manufacturer's label to determine amounts, as they differ by brand. Move the mulch aside and apply the suggested amount of fertilizer onto the top of the soil around the plant. Water and replace mulch.

4. Observe the plant at the beginning of each spring to determine if it needs additional nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to promote larger growth or if you can switch to a 4-8-8 fertilizer.

References

• North Carolina State University: Camelia Culture
• East Texas Gardening: Camelias
• American Camelia Society: Camellia Fertilization