How to Grow and Care for Camellia, a Beautiful Flowering Shrub to Plant in Your Cutting Garden

The camellia plant is a beauty to behold, with its thick and glossy evergreen foliage and elegant blooms, which come in a variety of colors ranging from creamy white to vibrant pink. Measuring in at two to 20 feet, depending on the variety you choose, these shrubs are an excellent choice for landscaping since they put on a year-round show.

"Camellias are perennial evergreen shrubs, meaning they remain green throughout the year and come back year after year," says Adam Sexton, senior associate at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. "They typically bloom in the fall to early winter, producing beautiful flowers with a delicate fragrance." Because they bloom when many other flowers are done for the season, they are a wonderful plant to add to a cutting garden.

They’re also notably low-maintenance, durable, and quite versatile, making them a cherished addition to any landscape. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to grow and care for camellias. 

Types of Camellia  

There are over 250 known species of the camellia plant, according to the American Camellia Society. They can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10, though not all varieties can be grown in all of those zones.

Here are a few of the most common types:

• Camellia Japonica (Pink Perfection): Sexton says that 'Pink Perfection' is a beloved classic known for its abundant blooms and attractive foliage, making it suitable for use as a hedge, border plant, or container specimen.
• Camellia Sasanqua (Yuletide): Offering a bold splash of color with its red petals and yellow stamen that bloom profusely in late fall through early winter, this semi-double flower is a festive option for your garden.
• Camellia Sasanqua (Setsugekka): The pristine white blooms on this camellia variety make it a true showstopper, Sexton says. The stamens are a beautiful golden-yellow hue, and the fragrance is heavenly.

How to Grow Camellia 

There are two ways you can go about adding camellia to your garden—from seed or by purchasing a mature plant from a nursery.

Growing Camellia From Seed

While it's possible to grow camellias from seed, this isn’t the best option, says Stephanie Elhayani, co-owner and head floral designer at Seed Floral. This method is rather slow-going and can be more complicated, but if you’re up for the challenge, then you can try. Follow her instructions below:

1. Choose plump and healthy-looking seeds and soak them in water for 12 hours.
   
2. Place the seeds in a plastic bag with sphagnum moss and mist until moist.
3. Use high-quality soil or a mix of peat moss and sand and put the seeds on the mix—eyes facing down or sideways.
4. Cover with soil 1/2 inch deep. The soil should remain moist.

It can take one to three months for the seeds to germinate, so keep monitoring the soil moisture and provide partial light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause overheating.

Purchasing Mature Camellia

Purchasing a mature camellia is the easiest path forward since all the hard work of germinating has been done for you. Sexton says to look for plants that have vibrant, glossy foliage, sturdy stems, and a root system that’s white/light-colored and firm.

"If possible, purchase camellia plants from reputable nurseries or garden centers known for their quality plants," he says. "This can help ensure that you're getting a healthy and well-cared-for specimen."

How to Propagate Camellia  

If your camellias are producing beautifully, you may want to consider propagating to get more bang for your buck. Here's how to propagate your camellias by cuttings.

1. Select 4- to 6-inch semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer and remove the lower leaves, leaving the top two or three.
2. Plant your cuttings about 2 inches deep in a well-draining soil mix.
3. Cover with plastic or use a propagator to help maintain high humidity.
4. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light. Roots should develop in two or three months.

How to Care for Camellia 

To ensure your camellias grow beautifully, keep these care tips in mind.

Light

Camellias are sensitive to intense sunlight, Sexton says, which can cause their delicate petals to become scorched or burned. To prevent sun damage, he recommends planting camellias in partial shade or filtered sunlight, especially in regions with hot summers. 

Soil and Water

Opt for well-draining soil and keep it moist. Camellias need moisture, but over-watering can lead to root rot. This can ultimately cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop. To prevent overwatering, ensure proper drainage and water camellias deeply only after the soil is dry.

Fertilizer 

Feed camellias with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. "Avoid fertilizing camellias during the fall or winter, as it can stimulate new growth that may be susceptible to frost damage," Sexton says.

Pruning

You’ll need to prune this shrub. Sexton advises pruning camellias after they finish flowering, typically in late winter or early spring. Remove dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossed or overcrowded growth to improve air circulation and maintain a healthy shape.

Repotting

To repot a camellia, select a pot with drainage holes that’s one size larger than the current container. Fill the new pot with a well-draining, acidic soil mix, then gently remove the camellia from its current pot, loosening the roots if they're compacted. Place the camellia in the center of the new pot, leaving about an inch from the rim. Water thoroughly and place in a semi-shaded area.

Common Issues and Diseases

Camellias are hardy evergreens but can still experience some issues. Be aware of the following.

• Scorched Foliage: "Too much direct sunlight causes camellia brown leaf or sunscald, and scorched leaves rarely improve," Elhayani says. The solution is to transplant your camellia to a shadier location.
• Root Rot: Camellias need moist soil, but overwatering can lead to deadly root rot. Yellow or brown leaves, as well as dropped leaves, are a sign of this. Only water once the soil is dry, and be sure to keep your plants in well-draining soil.
• Yellow Mottle Leaf: Camellia yellow mottle leaf virus causes yellow patterns on the leaves, which may turn completely yellow. "No cure exists for the virus; therefore, obtain only healthy camellia plants to prevent transmission through infected stock," says Elhayani.
• Pests: Camellias are susceptible to bug infestations, the most notable being scale bugs. They attach to leaves, causing discoloration and dropping. Elhayani says that handpicking can work for small invasions, but horticultural oil can kill both bugs and eggs.