Camellia Companion Plants - What To Plant With Camellias

When it comes to choosing camellia plant companions, consider plants such as hostas, rhododendrons, ferns or azaleas. Camellias are shallow-rooted plants, which means they won't thrive next to trees or shrubs with long, complex root systems. For instance, you may want to avoid poplars, willows, or elms.

Do camellias prefer sun or shade?

The two main things to remember is that camellias need to grown in acidic soil, in partial shade. If you don't have acidic soil in your garden, you can make it more acidic, or grow camellias in pots.

Do camellias and hydrangeas grow well together?

Colorful Shrubs for your Camellias

Popular companion plants for Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas are shrubs for all seasons. ... Hydrangeas are also irresistible shrubs with showy billowy blooms in clear blues, vibrant pinks, frosty whites or lavender throughout summer and into fall.

Do camellias like coffee grounds?

Use coffee grounds as mulch for acid-loving plants — roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, evergreens, hydrangeas and camellias. They like coffee grounds for the natural acidity and nutrients they add to the soil.

Do camellias like morning sun?

Camellias like moist well drained acid soil, in partial sun and away from cold winds in a sheltered spot, and not facing East. ... It is the combination of early morning sun and frost which does the most damage, and as a result many of the shrub's flowers can look similar to the one in the image.

What month do camellias flower?

Bloom time:

Different varieties of camellias bloom from late fall to mid-spring. Stagger plantings of early, mid- and late varieties and you can have flowers from November through April or May.

Where is the best place to plant a camellia?

Light: In general, camellias grow and bloom better in partial shade (morning sun and dappled afternoon shade are ideal conditions) with shelter from hot afternoon sun. This is especially true for young plants, which thrive under the shade of tall trees or when grown on the north side of a house.

How often should camellias be watered?

If it feels dry 2 to 3 inches down into the soil, you should water. In general, if you planted during the fall, you'll need to water only about once every week or two, assuming you haven't had any rain. If you plant in the spring, water deeply once a week for the first month, then cut back to every other week.

How do you encourage camellias to grow?

WATER regularly, especially during spring and summer, as camellias can take two years to establish new roots once planted. Keep them mulched and watered, especially when hot and dry. FEED twice a year in early spring to boost growth and later in summer for more flowers and further growth.

Are gardenias and camellias the same?

Camellia has a wider range of colors

But this is quite rare; most gardenias are snowy white or shades of white. Camellia, on the other hand, offers you a lot more colors to choose from. The primary colors are pink and red. You will also find cultivars of purple, yellow, and white among camellias.

What is the best fertilizer for camellias?

Camellias don't need much fertilizer, and too much nitrogen can burn the leaves and cause them to drop off. Spread 1/2 to 1 pound (227 g.) of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer over the root zone. Scratch the fertilizer into the top inch or so of soil with a garden rake and then replace the mulch.

Should I deadhead camellias?

Regular deadheading directs energy into stronger growth and more flowers. Once the flowers are pollinated; seed heads, pods or capsules form at the expense of further growth and flower development. It can prevent plants with numerous petals, such as peonies, some camellias and many roses, scattering debris widely.

What is the best time to plant camellias?

Camellias are generally planted in the late fall through the early spring, although they may be set out any month of the year if properly cared for. Choose a planting site with well-drained soil.

Can camellias be cut back hard?

When to prune camellias

Old shrubs that require rejuvenating should be hard pruned in March, although this will reduce the plant's flowering potential for several seasons to come.

What is the hardiest Camellia?

Perhaps the hardiest known camellia available is Korean Fire, a selection made from plants grown from seed collected by Barry Yinger, an intrepid plant explorer, on the islands off the Korean coast in the early 1980s.

Can I grow camellias in full sun?

Camellia care tips

Although most camellias prefer a semi-shaded position, they grow in full sun or shade. Remember though, the more sun exposure, the more water camellias need, particularly after planting and during flowering.

Are camellias poisonous to dogs?

Plus, according to the ASPCA, the camellia is non-toxic to both dogs and cats.

Do camellias flower every year?

A Camellias form flower buds the previous summer. So if they run short of water from July onwards, there is a risk of them aborting next year's flowers.

Are camellias difficult to grow?

Camellias have a reputation for being somewhat difficult to grow, but if you're willing to meet their needs, they'll reward you with a long bloom season just when you need it most, between fall and spring.

How do you keep a camellia small?

If you would like your camellias to stay a certain size, cut them back to a few inches (7.5 to 10 cm.) less than the size you desire. Growing camellias in your garden adds beauty and color. Proper camellia plant care with a little pruning will result in a spectacular plant.

Do camellias have deep roots?

Because the camellia has a shallow root system, it should be planted virtually on the surface and no deeper than it was when in its pot. Many plants are killed by planting too deep. ... After planting it is advisable to water it in and keep it watered during dry spells.