Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Camille Plant for Your Landscape

If you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant for your landscape, consider the camellia. Camellias are evergreen shrubs with glossy green leaves and showy blossoms that bloom in winter and early spring. With hundreds of cultivars available, it’s important to choose the right size camellia for your landscape.

Size Matters

Camellias come in a variety of sizes, from dwarf to large. The size of your camellia will depend on the cultivar you choose and the growing conditions in your landscape. Some cultivars naturally grow taller than others, while others have a more compact growth habit.

It’s important to consider the mature size of your camellia when choosing a planting location. You don’t want to plant a tall camellia under low-lying power lines or near a building where it could eventually outgrow its space.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right size camellia for your landscape:

• Dwarf camellias: These are great for small gardens or containers. They typically reach a height of 2-3 feet and have smaller flowers than larger camellias.

• Intermediate camellias: These are a good choice for medium-sized gardens. They usually grow to a height of 4-6 feet and have medium-sized flowers.

• Large camellias: These are best suited for larger landscapes, where they can be used as specimen plants or as part of a mixed planting. They typically reach a height of 6-12 feet and have large flowers.

Choosing the Right Cultivar

Once you’ve determined the size of camellia that’s right for your landscape, it’s time to choose a cultivar. Camellias come in a wide range of flower colors, from white to pink to red. They also vary in bloom time, with some cultivars blooming as early as October and others not blooming until February or March.

When choosing a cultivar, consider your climate and growing conditions. Some camellias are more cold-hardy than others, while others prefer warmer temperatures. Some cultivars also prefer acidic soil, while others can tolerate a wider range of soil pH.

Here are some popular camellia cultivars and their characteristics:

• ‘Kanjiro’: This is a medium-sized camellia with pink flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. It prefers partial shade and acidic soil.

• ‘Professor Sargent’: This is a large camellia with deep red flowers that bloom in mid-winter. It prefers partial shade and acidic soil.

• ‘Yuletide’: This is a dwarf camellia with red flowers that bloom in late fall to early winter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and acidic soil.

Planting and Care

Camellias prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They also prefer partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. When planting a new camellia, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball. Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil before planting.

Water new plants deeply once or twice per week until they become established. After that, water only during periods of drought or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize your camellias in late winter or early spring with an acid-loving fertilizer.

FAQ

Q: When is the best time to plant a camellia?

A: The best time to plant a camellia is in fall or early spring, when the weather is mild and there is plenty of moisture in the soil.

Q: How often should I water my camellias?

A: Water new plants deeply once or twice per week until they become established. After that, water only during periods of drought or when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Q: Do camellias need fertilizer?

A: Yes, camellias should be fertilized in late winter or early spring with an acid-loving fertilizer.

Q: Can I grow camellias in containers?

A: Yes, dwarf and intermediate-sized camellias can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are fertilized regularly.

Q: Are camellias prone to pests and diseases?

A: Camellias can be affected by pests such as aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. Proper planting techniques and good cultural practices can help prevent these problems.