The trade likes to offer camellias as hardy and easy to care for, but often also as houseplants. However, both are only valid to a limited extent. Newer varieties are aimed at winter hardiness, but other varieties only tolerate the cold to a very limited extent.
Are camellias hardy and how do you protect them in winter?
The winter hardiness of camellias depends on the variety, although young camellias are sensitive to frost and can only withstand light frost down to -5 °C from around four years old. Leaves, brushwood or coconut mats and plant fleece for free-standing plants or a bright winter quarter with a slight cold stimulus provide protection in winter.
How much frost can the camellia really tolerate?
How much frost a camellia can tolerate depends largely on its age. In the first few years it can freeze very easily. During this time she should spend the winter in a frost-free environment. After about four years, the camellia is considered to be partially hardy, meaning it can survive light frost down to around -5 °C without major damage.
How do I prepare my camellia for winter?
If your camellia stays outside in the garden over the winter, you should winterize the plant. Above all, protect the roots from freezing. To do this, cover the bale with a thick layer of leaves and/or brushwood. A coconut mat is also suitable as protection.
The best way to protect above-ground plant parts from frost is to use special plant fleece (€10.00 at Amazon). In a very mild area or in a sheltered corner of the garden, the camellia often survives without additional protection. Only water the plant on frost-free days, otherwise the water will freeze before the camellia can absorb it.
What does a good winter quarters look like?
Ideally, the winter quarters for your camellia are bright and around 10 °C to 15 °C, but at least frost-free. If you have a greenhouse or winter garden, you can usually overwinter the camellia there. But don't forget to water the plant, because camellias need enough water even in winter. If the root ball dries out completely, the entire camellia will easily dry out.
The most important things in brief:
- mostly only conditionally hardy
- young camellias must be kept frost-free and bright over the winter
- Don't overwinter too warmly
- incorrect overwintering is at the expense of flowering
- Protect camellia well outdoors
- Avoid wet conditions at all costs
- Don’t let the root ball dry out
Tip
The camellia needs a cold stimulus so that its buds can ripen and the plant can bloom.
