How to grow camellia
Camellia japonica
When to plant camellia
Plant this broadleaf evergreen in spring or early fall, when the soil is warm enough for root growth but the plant is not under summer heat stress. Extension guidance favors these two windows over mid-winter for broadleaf evergreens, with early fall allowing roots to establish before the ground freezes.
Camellia is timed by season rather than your frost dates, so the planting calendar does not generate ZIP-specific dates for it. Check the cited sources below to fine-tune for your area.
Growing conditions
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 60 to 120 in apart
- Sun
- Partial sun
- Soil pH
- 5.5 to 6
Common problems
- yellow leaves from low acidity
- bud drop from watering
- frequent disease problems
- frequent insect problems
Sources
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension): Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center: Planting Shrubs Correctly (HGIC 1052)
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