planting camellias nz

How to grow

SOIL should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5-6.5. ...
PLANT this surface-rooting plant in a hole twice as wide and as deep as the rootball. ...
WATER regularly, especially during spring and summer, as camellias can take two years to establish new roots once planted.

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.

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 Site. Choose a planting site with well-drained soil. ...
Soil Preparation. Camellias will grow in most well-drained slightly acid soil. ...
Planting.

How do you prepare soil for camellias?

Give camellias a little TLC and you'll be rewarded with masses of blooms. SOIL should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5-6.5. Deep, friable and well-drained soils enriched with compost and cow manure are best. If the soil is too alkaline, grow them in containers and improve clay soils with gypsum and organic material.

How far apart should you plant camellias?

Camellias Spacing

If the mature width is 6 feet wide, then plant camellias at least 6 feet apart, center on center. If you are growing a hedge or border, you can plant slightly closer than that (5 feet apart in the example above). It should also be at least 4 ft. away from a building.

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.

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.

What should I plant between 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.

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.

Are camellias easy to grow?

Despite their somewhat fussy reputation, camellias (zone 6b-9b) are quite easy to grow once you understand a few principals. First, put the plant in the right place and plant it right! Camellias' ideal growing conditions are not unlike those of azaleas and so make great planting partners.

Is Seasol good for camellias?

Revitalising a sick camellia

Water in some Seasol (500mL costs $10.90) around the root zone to promote root growth and allow the water to penetrate through the soil. Add a light mulch to encourage earth worms and other activity around the roots.

What is the best soil for camellias?

Soil Smarts

Camellias prefer well-drained, acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. The simplest way to provide a suitable growing medium is to use a commercial mix for rhododendrons and azaleas or camellias.

How long does it take to grow a camellia?

While camellias can generally be considered fully mature a few years after they begin flowering, they can live to be hundreds of years old and the Japanese variety can keep growing until it eventually reaches around 25 feet.

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.

What is the best mulch for camellias?

Two to four inches of pine straw, bark, or other organic matter makes a good mulch. By-products of the wood industry such as shredded cypress mulch and pine bark are also excellent choices for mulching when these materials are readily available.

Can Camellias grow in containers?

Camellia flowers light up the garden during the cooler months of the year in late fall, winter or early spring. With some attention to planting and care, camellias can thrive in pots. Container-grown camellias generally don't grow as wide or as tall as their ground-grown counterparts.

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 poisonous to dogs?

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

Is a camellia a tree or shrub?

Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 20 m (66 ft) tall. Their leaves are alternately arranged, simple, thick, serrated, and usually glossy. Their flowers are usually large and conspicuous, one to 12 cm in diameter, with five to nine petals in naturally occurring species of camellias.

Are banana peels good for plants?

In fact, banana peels have the highest organic sources of potassium. Potassium aids plants in moving nutrients and water between cells. Potassium strengthens plants' stems and also fights off disease.

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.

Why are the leaves on my camellia turning yellow?

Why are the leaves turning yellow? A. It is possible that your soil is too alkaline for good camellia growth, or it may be that the roots are standing in water. Alternatively, your camellia may just need feeding.