CAMELLIA Facts

COLORS

White, pink, red, purple, yellow (rare)

LIGHT

Partial shade

SOIL

Rich, well drained

WATER

When soil becomes dry

pH

5.0 to 6.0

HARDINESS

Varies with selection but generally grow best where winters do not drop into the teens or lower

USES

Foundation beds, woodland areas

TIP

Before planting camellias, always amend the soil with plenty of organic matter.

CAMELLIAS

If you live where winters are mild and part of your yard offers filtered shade, you will probably want several camellias. No other shrub produces such beautiful blossoms in winter and early spring, features glossy evergreen foliage, and easily persists for half a century. Camellias are commonplace in the South and in the mildest maritime climates of the West. Gardeners in colder regions sometimes have luck with camellias by placing them near warm south-facing walls where they are sheltered from cold winds. Avoid full sun exposures. All camellias need at least partial shade.

Camellias are commonplace in the South and in the mildest maritime climates of the West.

FERTILIZING CAMELLIAS

If you do not know if your soil's pH is acid enough for camellias, check it. Camellias need acid soil with a pH below 6.0. Using a fertilizer made for camellias and other plants that like acidic soil (such as azaleas) will help keep the pH low.

Because camellias are slow growers, they need a modest but steady supply of nutrients. Most new stems and leaves grow in spring, so spring is the best time to fertilize. For best results try Vigoro® water soluble or granular plant foods specifically formulated for Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias.

Starting 6 inches away from the base of the plant, scatter the fertilizer evenly all the way out to the "drip line" -- the outside perimeter where water might drip down from the plant's leaves. Then cover the fertilized area with a 2- to 3-inch deep layer of pine needles, rotted leaves, or other acidic mulch.

Avoid feeding camellias in early fall. Feeding at that time increases problems with cold injury. You can lightly fertilize young plants again in early winter to be ready to push new growth as the season begins.

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