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. Plants of Camellia sasanqua generally do better in the sun than those of C. japonica.
Soil preparation: Camellias will grow
in most well-drained slightly acid soil. A soil pH (degree of
acidity or alkalinity) of 6.0 - 6.5 is considered best for camellias.
However, they will tolerate a lower pH. 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. Two to four
inches or peat moss, leaf mold, ground aged bark, sawdust or
cow manure worked into the soil 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. Adequate moisture
is a necessity until the roots become well established in the
soil. The newly developed roots will then provide enough moisture
for the plant to start growth when spring arrives. 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:
- Dig a hole at least two feet wider than the root ball.
- Leave soil in the center of the hole undisturbed to prevent
settling,
as illustrated.
- Place ball on column of soil. The top of ball should be slightly
above soil level. When planting a container-grown plant, wash
away the soil from the root ball with a water hose and rough
up the root ball if tight to allow better penetration into the
soil.
- Fill the hole around the root ball with a mixture of topsoil
and organic matter.
- Build a berm of soil around the plant three feet in diameter
to prevent water from running off.
- Mulch with straw or other organic matter around the plant.
- Water well after planting and soak once a week during dry
weather.
The State Extension Service no longer recommends
the addition of organic matter to the backfill soil. Research
has shown that this does not improve plant growth. They now recommend
digging a wide hole and refilling with the removed soil.
Watering and mulching: Camellias prefer for
the soil to remain moist, but not soggy, all the time. When watering,
the soil should be wet to a depth of 14 to 18". Mulching
the surface of the soil around the camellias can help keep the
soil cooler and hold moisture. In addition, mulch can help eliminate
weeds. Two to four inches of pine straw, bark, or other organic
matter makes a good mulch. Do not use peat moss as a mulch as
it dries out and can become quite hard to wet. Do not pile mulch
too high as this can keep the soil too wet and provide good conditions
for root rot.
Fertilizing: Camellias should be fertilized
in the spring following flowering. Organic fertilizers such as
cottonseed meal have been used successfully for years. Commercially
prepared inorganic fertilizers (such as 10-10-10) will also do
a great job. Sprinkle on top of the mulch and allow rain or irrigation
to wash into the soil. A soil test will identify any problems
or special needs that may exist. Leaving a column of soil when
planting will prevent the plant from settling too deeply. Camellias
prefer to be planted near the top of the soil.
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