Although camellias are often sold as hardy and easy to care for, neither is actually the case. Both a certain amount of care and protection from severe frost are important so that your camellia lives a long time and blooms profusely.
Can you save a frostbitten camellia?
If a camellia is damaged by frost, you should wait until late spring to observe any new growth. Dry parts of the plant can be pruned to stimulate growth. However, completely frozen camellias cannot be saved.
Can pruning still save my camellia?
Pruning may actually be necessary for your camellia. But you shouldn't rush into this. Only cut off really dry parts of the plant. Test beforehand whether the shoot in question still has juice. A radical pruning only makes sense if no new shoots can be seen.
When should I prune my camellia?
Give yourself and especially your camellia time until (late) spring. New shoots are certainly possible and should be allowed to grow in peace. In April, check your camellia for frost damage, new shoots or the first signs of it. You can now remove absolutely dry shoots without hesitation. For a harmonious growth habit, shorten all other shoots so that the top remaining shoot points outwards.
How do I overwinter my camellia in the future?
If you want the plant to overwinter outside, then winterize your camellia. Pour a thick layer of leaves or bark mulch onto the area that corresponds to the size of the shrub (crown diameter). Also make sure that your camellia is well protected from icy winds and possibly put up a windbreak.
It is best to overwinter a camellia in a pot in a frost-free winter quarters. This can be a cold greenhouse or a winter garden that is only slightly heated. Even a bright basement room can be considered. The chosen winter quarters should above all be bright and not too warm.
The most important things in brief:
- Camellias are rarely hardy
- completely frozen plants cannot be saved
- consider pruning if there is minor frost damage
- ideal winter quarters: bright and frost-free
Tip
If your camellia is completely frozen, it can no longer be saved by (radical) pruning.
