Below USDA zone 7, Japanese camellia can be grown and overwintered in pots.
Although Japanese camellias are slow-growing, they are often used as an informal screen.
There are thousands of varieties with various bloom times, sizes, and petal forms.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Some varieties lend themselves to betrained as an espalier specimento grow up against a wall or fence.
The shrub has thick roots, but they are not invasive.
The roots grow near the surface and do not threaten nearby homes or structures.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Japanese camellia is best planted in the spring; in southern locations, fall is also possible.
They need protection from the intense, direct afternoon sun.
Soil
These shrubs have very specific soil requirements.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
A well-drained, nutrient-rich, moist, and slightlyacidic soilis a must for successfully growing Japanese camellia.
If your soil does not meet these conditions, grow it in a container.
Temperature and Humidity
Sudden temperature changes are detrimental to growing Japanese camellia.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The plant tolerates temperatures as low as 10 degrees F but only for short periods.
opt for site carefully and ensure it has adequate shelter against cold winter winds.
In the spring, use a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer, as this will promote healthy, dark foliage.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It’s even possible to find camellia-specific fertilizers in some garden centers.
For the amounts to use, follow product label instructions.
Only remove dead or damaged branches or long, heavy shoots right after the flowering season.
This stimulates branching and prevents the accidental removal of new flower buds.
Potting and Repotting Japanese Camellia
Camellias thrive in pots.
Like all container plants, potted Japanese camellia needs more frequent watering than the shrub in the landscape.
However, it does not tolerate wet feet or soggy soil.
Overwintering
In a southern climate with mild winters, Japanese camellia can remain outdoors during the winter.
In northern areas, Japanese camellia should be grown in a container and overwintered indoors.
Avoid excessive humidity and sudden temperature changes.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Japanese camellias are susceptible to fungal diseases.
Shrubs affected by petal blight fungus have petals that are browning from the edges to the center.
Remove all the diseased plant parts promptly to contain the spread of the fungus.
Other potential diseases areleaf spot, anthracnose, viruses, black mold, cankers, and root rot.
Preventing your plant from becoming drought-stressed with enough water in the dry season helps to minimize this problem.
Japanese camellia blooms as early as October and as late as March.
How Long Does Japanese Camellia Bloom?
The flowers usually last three to four weeks.
What Do Japanese Camellia Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flowers of Japanese camellia grow in clusters.
Deadheading Japanese Camellia Flowers
Removing the faded flowers is optional.
confirm to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
With the proper environment and care, these are very long-lived plants.
Some of the shrubs around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, are over 500 years old.
Another popular camellia species isCamellia sasanqua, which has smaller flowers than Japanese camellia.
A slow-growingevergreen shrub, the Japanese camellia takes decades to grow 6 to 8 feet tall.
Growing up to 25 feet may take over 100 years.
If you want a faster-growing variety, opt for aCamellia sasanqua.
Japanese camellia work as companions for trees likemagnoliasand pines because they love partial shade and acidic pH levels.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
