Caring for and Pruning Camellias
Camellias are wonderful evergreen shrubs for bringing colour and structure to the garden during the colder months. Their glossy green foliage looks attractive all year, while their flowers appear from late autumn through winter and into early spring, depending on the species and cultivar. Flowers may be pink, white or red, with single, semi-double and double forms available.
Camellias are particularly valuable in gardens where you want winter interest without relying entirely on deciduous plants.
Where to plant Camellias
Choose a sheltered position in partial shade, ideally where the plant receives gentle morning or filtered sunlight. Avoid exposed sites where cold winds can damage buds and foliage.
Camellias prefer acidic soil. If your garden has alkaline or chalky soil, growing them in a large container filled with ericaceous compost can be a much easier solution.
They dislike waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential.
How to care for Camellias
Keep newly planted camellias well watered, particularly during dry spells and while flower buds are developing. Established plants usually need less attention but should not be allowed to become excessively dry.
Mulch annually with acidic organic matter such as composted bark, leaf mouldor suitable ericaceous material.
Feed in spring with a fertiliser suitable for acid-loving plants.
Protect plants from prolonged drought because water stress can cause flower buds to drop.
When to prune Camellias
The best time to prune a camellia is immediately after flowering, generally in spring.
Avoid late pruning because camellias begin developing next year’s flower buds relativelysoon after flowering. Cutting later in the season can remove those developing buds.
How to prune Camellias
Start by removing dead, damaged or diseased branches.
Next, remove any branches that cross or rub against each other. If the centre of the shrub is congested, selectively remove a few older branches to improve air circulation.
For a mature shrub that has become too large, reduce its size gradually rather than cutting everything back severely at once.
Make each cut just above a healthy outward-facing bud or branch junction.
Pruning tip: Don’t feel that a camellia needs to be heavily pruned every year. Light, selective pruning usually produces a better-shaped shrub and preserves more flowers.