How to Care for Camelias in Georgia

Camellias are native to Asia.

Camellias are the ideal plant to lend color and grace to a shady spot in your Georgia garden. With thousands of varieties to choose from, you should have no trouble finding the perfect color and size for your yard. Camellias thrive when grown in moist soil that is slightly acidic and drains quickly. They have shallow root systems and don't compete well with large trees. Overall, though, camellias do well in Georgia gardens.

Things You'll Need

• Mulch
• Fertilizer
• Cloth or plastic covering
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil, 6 inches from the base of the camellia. Completely surround the plant with the material spread out to the drip line. Rake back and discard the mulch in the spring, and add a fresh layer.

2. Supply the camellia with lots of water during the hot Georgia summers. A weekly slow, deep watering is preferable to frequent applications of water. Horticulturists with the University of Georgia suggest wetting the top 15 to 18 inches of soil. During periods of rain, discontinue manual watering.

3. Fertilize the camellia with 1 tbsp. 10-10-10 fertilizer per foot of height. Apply the fertilizer in March, May and July. Fertilize in the early morning or evening during July in Georgia.

4. Offer the camellia winter protection by covering it with cloth or plastic. Add stakes around the camellia and drape the material over them so that it is held away and does not touch the plant.

5. Pinch the tips of new growth in the spring to encourage the camellia to produce new branches.

6. Prune the camellia to remove dead wood and to keep it the size you desire. The time to prune in north Georgia is mid to late March. Southern Georgia gardeners should prune their camellia in late February to mid-March. Horticulturists with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension suggest cutting the overgrown camellia to 12 to 18 inches above the surface of the soil. They further recommend removing all foliage at this time. The camellia will sprout new growth within six to eight weeks from this pruning.

References

• The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Camellia Culture For Home Gardeners
• American Camellia Society: Caring for Camellias