Camellias are among the most popular evergreens and garden shrubs that flower early. They provide a short but amazing amount of colour to your garden. As woodland plants, they tend to grow best in light shade, though watering them and caring for them could help them grow in sunnier locations.

1. Camellias grown indoors or in a conservatory and large
containers will need a bit of rest for a couple of months
before they flower. They need to be watered occasionally
and without fertiliser, with diluted liquid fertiliser, until the
early days of August.
Camellia buds and flowers can be damaged by
overnight frost combined with early morning sun, so the
thaw needs to be gradual to protect it.
The best soils for the plant need to be slightly acidic,
between pH 5 and 6.5, though a neutral soil can still be
improved by using ericaceous compost. Camellias
rarely thrive in chalky or alkaline soil, even if mounded
or modified.
Positioning
Watering
Fertilisers
The shelter is important, with the occasional windy
conditions doing some harm. Camellias hate sitting in
continuous draughts, so keep that in mind.
You can also use fish, bone, or blood for acidic soils, but
it's best avoided for neutral soils as they have a mildly
alkaline pH. You can also use an organic-based
fertiliser based on seaweed.
HOW TO GROW
CAMELLIAS IN
YOUR GARDEN?
Planting Out a New Camellia
Light Requirements
Soil Conditions
They prefer acidic soil, so camellias should not be
watered using tap water, especially if the water is from
a calcareous catchment. Rainwater is a better choice.
Follow For More Tips
www.local-gardeners.co.uk