Growing Camellias in Pots

 

The scientific name of Camellia plant is Camellia japonica and the plant is a flowering shrub that produces big, splashy flowers and is one of the first shrubs to produce blooms in late winter or spring. However, camellias can be somewhat picky about their growing conditions; the container-grown camellias are definitely possible. In fact, growing camellias in containers is an ideal way to produce the perfect situation for this spectacular plant. Continue reading to learn how to grow a camellia in a pot.

 

Growing Camellias in Pots

Actually growing camellias plants in containers is very easy. Camellias plants actually prefer well-drained, acidic soil, preferably with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. A commercial mix for rhododendrons or azaleas is perfect. Alternatively you can easily make your own mix by mixing coarse peat moss or small pine bark with coarse sand in equal parts. Make sure you avoid fine peat moss, which tends to quickly become too dry or too wet and may lead to loss of the camellia plant. Make sure the pot has at least one good drainage hole, as camellias plants in soggy soil can easily rot and die.

 

How to Care for Camellias in Pots

 The following are the tips on how to care for camellia in container:

Ensure you place the container in partial shade and also provide protection from hot afternoon sunlight most especially if you live in a warm, sunny climate. Also keep in mind that camellias plant in sunlight requires more water.

The care for camellias plants in pots requires checking the potting mix regularly – as often as twice daily during hot, dry weather, as container-grown camellias plant dry out much faster than shrubs planted in the ground. Make sure you water the plant deeply whenever the top two to four inches (5-10 cm.) of potting mix feels dry to the touch, then allow the pot to drain. Don’t ever allow the container to stand in water. You can fertilize container-grown camellias plants after blooming ends in spring, using a water-soluble fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Also feed the camellias plants again in summer if growth seems slow. Always water the shrub well first, as fertilizing a dry plant may scorch the roots. Similarly, never fertilize when temperatures are above ninety degree Fahrenheit. You can prune the container-grown camellias plant immediately after blooming in spring. Don’t prune the camellias later in the season, as you may inadvertently remove buds that form during that time. You can repot the container-grown camellia plant into a container one size larger whenever the camellias plant outgrows its container – usually every 2 or 3 years. Make sure you use fresh potting soil, as old potting mix tends to be soggy and depleted of nutrients.