©American Camellia Society Fact Sheets. revised 2001

AMERICAN Camellia SOCIETY
              at Massee Lane Gardens

100 Massee Lane. Fort Valley. Georgia 31030
(478) 967-2358 . Fax (478) 967-2038 . www.camellias-acs.com

PLANTING AND CARE OF CAMELLIAS
Fact Sheet No.2

Camellias are grown successfully out of doors in the United States from Long Island, NY, south along the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, along the Pacific Coast from California to Washington, and in interior sections of the country.
    The camellia plant usually survives occasional temperatures as low as +10°F to 0°F. Some of the newer cold-hard camellias can survive temperatures as low as -15°F extending the areas where camellias can be grown. Camellia flower buds are damaged by temperatures below + 10°F to + 15°F and open camellia blossoms are damaged at temperatures below -26° to + 28°F.

Site Most camellias grow and produce better flowers in partial shade (50-70% shade). Plants located in full sun often are less donnant during wann periods of the winter and may suffer damage if cold weather follows. Plants in a northern or western exposure of a building or fence or otherwise protected from intense morning sun will usually stand more cold weather than those in an eastern or southern exposure. Choose a planting site with well-drained soil. Do not plant where shade trees with shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water. Plants in the sun may suffer scald on the leaves or leaves may appear yellow rather than deep green.

Soil Preparation Camellias will grow in most well-drained slightly acid soil. A soil pH (degree of acidity or alkalinity) of 5.5 - 6.5 is best for camellias. A soil test made before planting will tell you what is needed to bring the soil to the desired pH and fertility level. Practically all soils will benefit from the addition of organic matter when planting. A mix of 50% soil and 50% humus (peat moss, leaf mold, sawdust, pine bark or cow manure) is recommended. This improves both the drainage and fertility of the soil.

Planting 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. The late fall through early spring period is preferred because the plant is approaching donnancy, or is donnant, allowing the plants to become well established in the soil. Adequate moisture is a necessity until the roots become well established. The newly developed roots will then provide enough moisture for the plant to start growth when spring arrives.
     In some lower Gulf coastal areas camellias are planted on top of the ground because of soil pathogens. Please call ACS for specific instructions.
     Allow a minimum of five feet between plants and preferably more when planting unless planting a hedge when a distance of three feet between plants is recommended. The following steps should be followed when planting a camellia:

©American Camellia Society Fact Sheets. revised 2001

PLANTING AND CARE OF CAMELLIAS
Fact Sheet No.2, page 2

1. Dig a hole at least two feet wider than the root ball.
2. Leave soil in the center of the hole undisturbed to prevent settling, as illustrated in the diagram.
3. Place ball on column of soil. The top of ball should be slightly above soil level. If transplanting a container-grown plant, wash away the soil from the root ball with a water hose or rough up the outer roots with fingers or knife to allow better penetration into the new soil.
4. Fill the hole around the root ball with a mixture of topsoil and organic matter.
5. Build a berm of soil around the plant three feet in diameter to prevent water from running off.
6. Mulch with straw or other organic matter around the plant.