• Shade to Part Sun
• Size and bloom color is variety specific
• Fall, winter and/or spring blooming
• Work well in containers
• May be used as a shade hedge or screen

Landscape features include year-round dark green, glossy foliage and winter blooms in various colors.

The post Camellia appeared first on The Good Earth Garden Center.

Camellias have much to offer a shade landscape area; these shrubs feature year-round glossy, dark green foliage and display stunning single or double blooms in the winter. There are thousands of camellia hybrids, offering a large palette of colors from white and bi-colors to the deepest red.

There are large varieties, which can be formed into small trees or lower growing shrub types. Two main species of camellia are used here in Arkansas; sasanqua camellias bloom in the late fall to early winter and have smaller leaves and flowers.  Japonica camellias bloom in the late winter or early spring and typically have larger leaves. There are also hybrids of cultivars on the market with desirable characteristic like cold hardiness. The later bloom season of japonicas make them more susceptible to a late frost. However, the large, multi-petaled flowers make the risk worth it! Camellias have a variety of uses in the landscape, including specimen plants, hedges and screens as well as container plantings.

Caring for Camellias

Camellia care is pretty simple; plant in a shade to part sun area (morning sun, afternoon shade) with rich soil. As the plants mature and the canopy provides shade to roots, they can take more sun. Camellias like ample moisture and well-drained soil. Water during dry conditions to encourage new growth. Camellias do not grow well when planted too deep. Plant 1-2 inches above surrounding grade, gently sloping soil up to the sides of the exposed root ball. Do not cover the root ball with soil; mulch around the plant, with a thin layer over the root ball; water well after planting.

Pruning Camellias

Prune to shape camellias as needed; prune selectively instead of shearing to maintain natural shape of the plants. Remove no more than one third of the plant at any one time. Thin dense branching when the foliage could be reducing room for flowers to properly open. Shortening lower branches will encourage a more upright growth pattern. Cut back leggy top growth to encourage a fuller plant form. Pruning should be done after the chance of frost has past in the spring and flowers have faded. Camellias set flower buds in late summer so pruning at the wrong time of year will significantly reduce blooming.

Fertilizing Camellias

Camellias like acidic soil conditions, which we tend to have in central Arkansas. Using a fertilizer for acid loving plants such as camellia/ azalea food after blooming will both provide necessary nutrients and help the soil retain the proper pH. Plant in soils with pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. If soil pH is incorrect, this may affect the ability of the camellia to absorb fertilizer.

We carry Evergreen/Azalea Food with Systemic Insecticide, which can also help with scale. Here in the southeastern United States, it is recommended that camellias be fertilized in March, May and early July. Rake the mulch back to the drip line of the plant, and apply the fertilizer directly to the soil. Water thoroughly after application. A pH test is always suggested when plants have specific needs; we have simple test kits available. With any fertilizer, read and follow instructions carefully.

Watch for These Symptoms on Camellias

These popular blooming evergreens are susceptible to scale. Treating with dormant oil and yearly with systemic insecticide soil drench can take care of this issue. The fertilizer suggested above also contains a systemic insecticide works well to control scale. Yellowing leaves might indicate a lack of iron. Test pH and adjust if it’s over 6.5. Treating with an iron supplement may be necessary.

Want to see which Camellias are in stock?  Check our Inventory! 

The post Camellia Care and Planting Tips appeared first on The Good Earth Garden Center.

If you are considering a possible location for camellias, look for a shady place with well drained soil.  Be sure to check the label of the camellia and place accordingly.  The japonicas can get over 20 foot tall, depending on variety even though they may only be 2 ft. plants when you purchase them.  The sasanquas tend to be smaller in stature, and some can even be used as foundation shrubs such as the Shi Shi Gashira variety, which will only get to be 4 ft. by 4 ft. When you plant a camellia, resist the urge to fertilize it. And if you simply cannot, then only fertilize it with a slow release nitrogen fertilizer such as cottonseed mill. After the first growing season, fertilize with azalea food at the recommended rate. If you need to add organic material to your planting area, use organic compost or composted pine mulch to loosen the soil.  Peat moss is not recommended for camellia planting.

If your landscape already benefiting from this beautiful plant?   Here are some tips on how to treat it.  If you need to move it, transplant it after it blooms in the spring.  Also, if it needs pruning, only prune it in the spring after the blooming has ended and prune off only 1/3 of the growth.  More severe pruning isn’t suggested but can be done if necessary since it will usually bud out from the old growth wood.  The most common pest with camellias is tea scale, but it is susceptible to other scales also.  Treat affected plants with a systemic insecticide such as Bayer or Ferti-Lome Tree and Shrub, both of which are 12 month insect control that you water in during March or April at the beginning of the growing season.

Feeling empowered with information?!  You are ready to pick out an amazing camellia and enjoy!

The post What loves shade, blooms in the winter, and is evergreen? appeared first on The Good Earth Garden Center.