The culture of camellias requires modest attention to planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and spraying. Fall blooms can be stimulated by gibberellic acid. Camellias also benefit from winter protection.

Planting – In northern areas, spring planting is recommended rather than in the autumn, as is frequently done in warmer climates. Learn more >

Mulching – Providing good mulch the year around is very important. Learn more >

Watering – New plants should be watered thoroughly once a week during dry spells. Learn more >

Fertilizing – In good soil fertilizing is not essential, and any applications should be light. Learn more >

Pruning – Prune to shape leggy plants, to control size, to renew vigor of older plants, or to remove weak and dead branches. Learn more >

Spraying – Camellias in this [Washington, DC] area have been relatively free from disease and insect pests. Learn more >

Gibberellic Acid – Buds of many varieties of C. japonica, when treated in late summer (about Aug. 20 to Sept. 15), will bloom before cold weather sets in. Learn more >

Winter Protection – Because camellia growers enjoy a wider range of cultivars than what Nature will allow in a marginal climate (as in the Washington, DC., area), some cultivars will benefit being protected from winter’s winds and temperatures. Learn more >