Caring for camellia: expert tips for ideal care

click fraud protection

In order for camellias to bloom profusely, they must be properly cared for. We will show you which care measures are essential for the camellia.

Camellia flowers on the bush pink
Camellias need a little care for beautiful flowers [Photo: francesco de marco / Shutterstock.com]

the camellia (Camellia) is a true flower beauty. However, if you want to grow large and colorful flowers, you should pay attention to the correct attention so that this can also succeed. We'll tell you the most important care measures so that your camellia grows healthy and lush.

contents

  • Caring for camellias
  • Watering camellias
  • Fertilize camellias
  • Transplant and repot camellias
  • Cut camellias
  • Overwinter camellia

Caring for camellias

The camellia makes some special demands on its environment and care. The following points must be observed in order to let the Asian tea beauty shine in all its splendor.

Watering camellias

Camellias are bog plants and like it to be permanently moist. The emphasis here is expressly on "damp", because waterlogging can quickly lead to root rot. Regular watering is therefore the preferred method so that waterlogging is definitely avoided. However, if there is a longer dry period in summer, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of watering, but to use more water. With the larger amounts of water you can compensate a little for the evaporation on the surface and make sure that the rooted area of ​​the soil is completely penetrated by water.

Camellia wet
Camellias like it damp [Photo: Jin9876 / Shutterstock.com]

Fertilize camellias

With good care, the camellia develops very large and dense flowers. In order to ensure this, fertilization plays an important role. You should therefore fertilize at regular intervals, especially in late spring to late summer. The frequency depends on the nature of the soil and the weather. Rhododendron fertilizers have proven their worth as fertilizers, as they largely meet the requirements of camellias. Occasionally, you can resort to a full mineral fertilizer to encourage lush flower growth. Simply apply liquid fertilizer with the irrigation water in the weeks before flowering. Pay attention to the dosage instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilizing.

Pink camellia flower
Rhododendron fertilizer has proven its worth for beautiful flowers [Photo: senee sriyota / Shutterstock.com]

Camellias can also be fertilized organically. This minimizes the risk of over-fertilization, as the nutrients are released slowly and gently. Organic fertilizers like ours are primarily suitable Plantura organic universal fertilizer with long-term effect. You should apply this right at the beginning of budding. More information about the Fertilizing camellias can be found in our special article.

Transplant and repot camellias

The camellia shows an above-average growth of roots. To prevent the roots from competing for nutrients at some point, it is important to repot the camellia occasionally. Fall is the best time to do this, preferably from early October. In August and September most camellias fall into a dormant phase in which they also need less water. Pouring them on in the new, larger bucket could therefore harm them. So wait until this resting phase is over and pamper your camellia with a larger planter at the beginning of the new growth phase.

Camellia hanging in a pot
Camellias can be repotted in autumn [Photo: fernando468 / Shutterstock.com]

Cut camellias

The camellia rarely needs extensive pruning under normal circumstances. It is much more important to regularly rid them of withered shoots and withered flowers. But if you want to prune your camellia, the best time to do this is somewhere between May and July, depending on the weather and vigor. However, it is important not to cut your camellia too brutally with one cut, as a radical cut could take revenge with greatly reduced regrowth. However, you can and should regularly remove dead flowers.

Camellia with scissors on wood
Camellias should also be cut from time to time [Photo: Richard Griffin / Shutterstock.com]

A detailed guide to the Cutting camellias can be found here in our special article.

Overwinter camellia

Camellias need cool temperatures in winter, but they should still be frost-free. Just few varieties are conditionally hardy and withstand our winter at home with appropriate winter protection planted in the bed. In order to survive the frost, the root area of ​​the plants is covered with a thick layer of bark mulch, brushwood, spruce branches or moss. In severe frost, the above-ground part must also be protected.

Camellia branch covered with snow winter
Only a few camellia varieties are conditionally hardy [Photo: iCNX / Shutterstock.com]

Most varieties, however, should be grown in pots and overwintered in a light place with temperatures between 5 and 15 ° C.

Detailed information on the Wintering camellias inside and outside you get here.