The Japanese camellia symbolizes adoration, longing and eternal love. It has glossy, deep green leaves in winter and red, pink and white lower leaves appear in spring, ranging from solid to striped and from single flower cups to densely double flowers. This compact, long-lived shrub is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -12 degrees Celsius, but it does not tolerate extreme temperature changes. You can find out how to grow and care for the exotic plant in this article!
Which growing conditions are suitable for the plant
The Japanese camellia can be planted in the garden and in pots. The plants grow slowly and do not tolerate excessively acidic or wet soils. They are heavy eaters andconstantly need nutrients. The plants do not like full sun, but prefer light shade.
What kind of soil does the Japanese camellia prefer?
These shrubs are very picky about soil conditions. Plant the Japanese cameile in well-drained, nutrient-rich, moist and slightly acidic soil. A pH value of 6 to 6.5 is perfect for the plants to develop well. Avoid soil that is too wet and ensure even watering.
Proper watering of the perennial
As mentioned, Japanese camellias need consistent moisture. To keep the roots evenly moist, you can apply a layer of mulch around the plant. The water requirement is very high during the growing season in spring and summer. It is best to water them every 1-2 days.
Preferred temperature and humidity
Camellias prefer to grow in warm, humid areas. The exotic plant does not like sudden temperature changes. It is very important that you choose a location with sufficient wind protection.
When to fertilize Japanese camellia
During the growing season, i.e. in summer, give your Japanese camellia a potassium-rich fertilizer every month. In spring, you can use a slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen, which promotes healthy, dark foliage. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant.
Does the perennial need a cut?
As a rule, the plant does not need to be pruned. You can only do a light pruning to get the camellia into good shape. Only remove dead or damaged branches or long, heavy shoots immediately after flowering. This is how you ensure the healthy growth of your perennial.
Propagation of Japanese camellia
You can propagate the plant by keeping the new plant attached to the original plant while it roots. Do this: In the summer months, bend a long trunk down to the ground and then cut it at an angle. Wrap the area with a loop and dig it into the ground. Roots will form later. Only then do you cut the new plant off the mother plant.
Camellias can also be grown from seeds. Proceed as follows:
First, soak the seeds for 24 hours. Then sow them in well-drained, loose soil rich in organic matter. Note that the soil must be kept evenly moist. You have to be a little patient because it takes up to three months for the seeds to germinate. Then you canPlant them in pots.When they are at least four centimeters tall, you can transplant them to their final location, in the garden or in containers. Just make sure that they are adequately protected from the cold and that the soil is kept moist.
