Timing

For best results plant in autumn so they can get established before it gets too warm. The latest you should plant them is September.

Plant Types

There are 3 main types of Camellia:

• Sasanqua: perfect for hedging, they have small dark green leaves, and flower early in the season
• Japonica: with larger leaves and flowers, this varietal has the widest range of flower types – like the formal, peony, anemone, and rose
• Hybrid: these have the best features of both

Check the specific location recommendations of each plant to make sure the variety will work in your garden.

Soil

Camellias like acidic soil, so you may need to prepare yours. Dig in some compost, peat, bark, and aluminium sulphate.

Planting

In this guide we’ve chosen a Sasanqua variety, and planting a row of them to form a hedge. A flowering hedge is a real stand out in a garden, especially during the winter months.

• Prepare your soil as recommended. This may seem like a bit of prep – but it’s really worth the effort to help your new plants thrive.
   
• If you’re planting a hedge, lay out your plants, spacing them out to fill the area you are planting with about 15-20cm between each plant.
   
• The closer you plant your hedge the quicker it will fill out, so if you want a tall hedge plant closer together and for a shorter hedge, plant further apart.
   
• If any of your plants have any side growth, twist them around to help fill in the hedge faster.
   
• Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the pot.
   
• Remove the plant from the pot.
   
• Add some sheep pellets to the hole then place the Camellias on top.
   
• Top up with soil, and press firmly in place.
   
• Add a layer of mulch.
   
• Water in well.

Watering

Camellias love water, so keep them well watered year round. Water from the base, as overhead watering can damage the flowers and invite disease.

Feeding

• To keep acidic soil levels high, Acid Food has the right mix of NPK.
• Keep an eye out for yellow leaves, which could mean your soil is too alkaline.
• Don’t use lime on them, as it’s alkaline.

Pests & Disease

• Although Camellias are pretty hardy, there are a couple of things to watch out for. Mites, Thrips, and Scale Insects are some pests that can affect them.
• Look out for Sooty Mould, and Petal Blight Early.
• If you’re unsure – take a photo and bring it into store for some advice.

Pruning

• Camellias only need pruning to shape them, and should thrive pruned or not.
• Prune in late winter / early spring when the plant has stopped flowering.
• If you’re growing them into a hedge, let the plants grow as tall as you want your hedge to be before taking any height off the top.
• If you’ve got a stand-alone tree, you may want to prune the lower branches to get a more established trunk and turn it into a feature tree.
• Use a sealing compound on any large cuts.
• If your area is prone to frost, protect your Camellias while they’re establishing with a frost cloth. Make sure your tools are clean and sharp. Clean cuts help avoid disease spreading.