Camellias

There are several types of Camellias: Camellia Japonica, Camellia Reticulata,  Camellia Sasanqua, and Camellia Sinensis.  Japonica can reach up to 25 feet tall with a 6 -10 ft. spread coming in white, pink, and red. Reticulata is the tallest reaching up to 50 feet, and the blooms can be as large as plates. It is the only Camellia that likes full sun. Sasanqua is upright to12 feet or low growing and spreading about 18 inches. The leaves are darker and smaller than Japonica and the bush grows faster. Sinensis grows to 10 feet.  The new leaves are harvested to produce tea.

Camellias grow in horticulture zones 7-9. It can be used in landscape as a screen or in the center of the landscape as a feature.  Too often they are placed near the corner or in the front of a house which is ok when they are small, but they live a long time and may outgrow the space the gardener gave them.

Planting Instructions:

            The best time to plant Camellias is between October and March. 

            The plant is shallow rooted, so do not plant it too deep.

            All except Reticulata should be planted in light shade sheltered from sun.   

Care:

Fertilize Camellias annually in June and August.   LITTLE or NO pruning is needed.  Just remove damaged branches and long shoots that detract from the shape. Water deeply 1 or 2 times a week.  Camellias can be very easy to care for in the Deep South.  The key is buying quality plants. Look at the leaves and pull plant out of the pot to see the condition of the roots.