Camellia
Camellia japonica · Theaceae
📷 Qwert1234 · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around camellia and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Camellia japonica
- Family
- Theaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green and glossy
- Flowering
- January to March, double or single flowers in various colors
- Adult size
- Up to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -10 to -15 °C depending on variety
- Origin
- Japan and mountainous regions of Southeast Asia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Camellia demands acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5), lime-free. Rainwater irrigation is crucial in chalky regions.
The common mistake
The classic trap is planting in neutral or slightly alkaline soil with tap water: leaves yellow and flower buds abort.
The pro's trick
After flowering (March), apply a rhododendron-camellia fertilizer rich in iron and magnesium.
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged, as camellia dreads root suffocation. Water regularly during growth and flowering periods, especially during dry summers. Prefer rainwater or non-limey water, as camellia prefers slight acidity.
Light exposure
Position your camellia in partial shade or dappled shade, sheltered from cold winds and direct scorching sunlight that burns the flowers. Filtered light throughout the day is ideal for maintaining flowering and healthy foliage.
Soil
Camellia requires acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Improve the soil with leaf mold, peat, or pine bark to maintain acidity. Avoid chalky soils which cause chlorosis.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape and encourage branching. Remove spent flowers and dead or badly placed branches. Severe pruning will slow growth and reduce flowering.
Fertilizing
Apply a fertilizer specially formulated for acid-loving plants in spring and early summer, following recommended dosages. Moderate feeding is sufficient: camellia is not a heavy feeder. Avoid excess fertilizer which risks burning roots.
Diseases and pests
Watch for scale insects, aphids, and spider mites, particularly indoors. Flower bud drop often results from irregular watering or insufficient light. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Japanese camellia captivated Europe in the 18th century, becoming a symbol of exoticism and luxury in aristocratic gardens. In Asia, particularly in Japan and China, this shrub has been venerated for centuries for the beauty of its flowers and is used in traditional tea ceremonies as a decoration. Its prestige is also explained by the historical difficulty in cultivating it outside its native climate, which made every flowering camellia precious in the eyes of collectors.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tea plantCamellia sinensis
- Japanese stewartiaStewartia pseudocamellia
- Sasanqua camelliaCamellia sasanqua
- To-tsubakiCamellia reticulata
- Camellia lutchuensisCamellia lutchuensis
- Camellia hybrCamellia hybr
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.