So the shrub feels good all around

Location and soil

the camellia needs a lot of light so that your flowers can develop optimally. However, it shouldn't be too warm, because the camellia likes it rather cool. It does not tolerate the midday sun in summer very well, just like the morning sun in winter. then dried up them easily. Therefore a Location in the light shade.

Of the floor should be fresh to light and a little acidic. Therefore, you can mix well with rhododendrons or the camellia Dogwood combine, which have similar demands on the soil as the camellia. Waterlogging should be avoided as well as the complete drying out of the root ball.

Plant and transplant properly

The camellia is ideal as a solitary plant, for example in a Japanese garden, but also for planting in pots on the balcony or terrace. As pure Houseplant on the other hand, does she not feel very comfortable. An unheated winter garden, on the other hand, is almost ideal.

Transplanting is usually not necessary outdoors, but should be done after flowering if necessary.

Raise for that planting In the open ground, make a hole that is at least twice the size of the root ball of your camellia and fill this about halfway with fresh Rhododendron soil. Put the plant in and fill the planting hole completely with rhododendron soil. Additional fertilizer is then no longer required. Press soil firmly and water the camellia well.

The camellia in the pot

Even if you have your camellia in a pot want to plant, you should use rhododendron soil. This will ensure that the soil has the required pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. As an alternative to this special soil, you can use lime-free Compost soilMix equal parts of peat and leaf mold.

Water and fertilize camellias properly

During the growth phase and the Heyday the camellia needs a lot of water. Then it should be watered regularly (about once a week) and abundantly, but in such a way that no waterlogging occurs.

fertilizer The camellia needs above all during the time in which it forms the new buds, in most cases from May to around August. Most suitable is one Rhododendron fertilizer, also in the form of a Slow release fertilizer.

Prune camellias properly

The camellia usually tolerates pruning quite well. Ideally, it should be done in spring. Up to two thirds of the shoots can be cut off. However, always pay attention to a harmonious overall picture of the plant.

Remove dry and / or diseased shoots the first time you prune, preferably as soon as you notice them. After flowering, cut off the withered inflorescences. The camellia is also suitable as a cut flower for the vase.

The camellia in winter

Camellias are usually not real hardy, but usually tolerate at least for a short time frost. In a mild area (Rheingraben or wine-growing region) the camellia can with the appropriate Winter protection stay in the garden all year round. However, it also needs sufficient water during this time so that the root ball does not dry out.

Her Hibernate camellia in a pot They are best frost-free, but cool and bright, ideally in a greenhouse or winter garden that is not too warm. Without a cool winter break, the camellia will not bloom.

Diseases and pests

A pest infestation does occur with the camellias. Mealybugs are relatively common. The white web on the leaves is easy to see, however, so you can react quickly to an infestation. Otherwise, there may be a fungal infection. The sooty fungus shows itself through a black coating on the leaves. Aphids, scale insects and thrips also occur occasionally in camellia.

The essentials in brief:

• Location: sunny to partially shaded, no morning sun in winter, no midday sun in summer
• Soil: slightly acidic and slightly moist
• evergreen
• Flowers: similar to peonies, up to 15 cm in diameter
• Flower color: white, pink or red
• Flowering time: depending on the variety and climate, between September and May
• Flowering temperature: maximum 12 ° C to 16 ° C
• only partially hardy
• Do not overwinter above 10 ° C