Camellia gilbertii Plant Care

Camellia gilbertii (Camellia gilbertii) belongs to the Theaceae family within the Camellia genus. Camellia gilbertii is native to Vietnam.

Camellia gilbertii displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Camellia gilbertii produces large, showy blooms in various colors like white, pink, red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Camellia gilbertii every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Camellia gilbertii thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Camellia gilbertii tolerates temperatures of 40–70°F. Camellia gilbertii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Camellia gilbertii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Camellia gilbertii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Camellia gilbertii is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Camellia gilbertii can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Camellia gilbertii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Camellia gilbertii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Camellia gilbertii can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crapnell's camellia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Camellia gilbertii is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, tea scale. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Camellia gilbertii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Camellia gilbertii is native to Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Camellia gilbertii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.