Australia plant library · shrub

Camellia

Camellia japonica, C. sasanqua · Theaceae

Winter flowers and glossy hedges.

Photo: Bongsun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sun: Part shade or dappled light (C. japonica). C. sasanqua tolerates full sun if kept moist, but is best with afternoon protection.
Soil: Acidic, humus-rich and well-drained.
Soil pH: About 5.5-6.5 (acid-loving); tolerates a wider range.
Water: Water regularly; keep soil moist and don't let it dry out (causes bud drop).
Hardiness: Cool to subtropical climates; tolerates light frost once established. Not for hot, dry inland areas.
Height and spread: 2-5 m+ depending on species (C. japonica about 3-5 m; C. sasanqua 1-6 m).

Guv's tipDon't let camellias dry out, or you'll get bud drop. Remove fallen flowers promptly to beat petal blight, and mulch beneath.

Through the year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sow or plant

In flower

Timings are for temperate Australia. Tropical and arid gardens follow different seasons.

When to plant

Spring (Sep-Nov) or autumn (Mar-May) is best; possible year-round.

Flowering

C. sasanqua from mid-autumn (about April); C. japonica late autumn or mid-winter to early spring. Overall Apr-Sep.

Pruning

Light pruning soon after flowering finishes, only to shape.

Making more plants

Semi-hardwood stem cuttings in summer; grafting.

Watch out for

Pest

Scale insects

Look for: Raised brown, white or grey bumps on stems and leaves; honeydew; sooty mould.

What to do: Horticultural oil or a registered pyrethrum spray.

Pest

Aphids

Look for: Clusters on new growth; yellowed, distorted leaves.

What to do: Registered pyrethrum spray, or hose off.

Disease

Camellia petal blight

Ciborinia camelliae

Look for: Brown blotches spreading from the petal edges to the centre; the whole flower browns and drops.

What to do: Promptly remove and destroy infected and fallen flowers; mulch beneath plants.

Always read and follow the label on any treatment, and check it is approved for use where you live.

Safety and spread

Pets and people: Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA, Camellia japonica).

Weed risk: Not a declared weed in Victoria or Queensland.

Checked against two or more reputable gardening sources. How we check our facts

Growing somewhere else? See this plant for the UK.

Keep it by the back door

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