The camellia is not a popular garden plant for nothing, as its flowering time is when other plants are still in hibernation. Unfortunately, the camellia is a bit finicky about its location and the care required.
Which location is ideal for a camellia?
The ideal location for a camellia is bright but not in full sun, cool, sheltered from the wind and with slightly acidic, moist soil. Waterlogging should be avoided. A camellia doesn't work well as a houseplant, but it does well in a cool winter garden.
What does a camellia need to thrive?
The camellia needs a lot of light, but it cannot tolerate heat or the blazing midday sun in summer. It prefers a rather cool location. Most camellias survive light frost quite well, at least when they are older. Icy wind, on the other hand, quickly leads to frostbite. The camellia also doesn't do well with waterlogging. Therefore, it needs protection from frost and moisture in winter.
Camellias prefer slightly acidic and moist soil, similar to rhododendrons or bog plants. It is best to plant your camellia in rhododendron or peat soil, even if you want to grow the plant in a pot. In summer, a camellia feels quite comfortable in the garden, even on the bright balcony or terrace, as long as they are not south-facing.
The camellia is not suitable as a houseplant. Most living rooms are too warm for this plant. A cool bedroom would be more suitable, but is often too dark. The camellia does much better in a bright but not too warm winter garden or a cold greenhouse.
The ideal location for camellias:
- bright, but not in full sun
- cool
- slightly acidic and moist soil
- no formation of waterlogging
- likes to be protected from the wind
Tip
The right location is very important for the camellia to bloom, because where it doesn't feel comfortable, it won't bloom.
