Camellia Plant Care

Camellia (Camellia japonica) belongs to the Theaceae family within the Camellia genus. Camellia is native to China and Japan, and grows naturally in forests at altitudes of around 300–1,100 metres (980–3,600 ft). Camellia is also known as Common Camellia, Japanese Camellia, Rose Camellia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Camellia 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 thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Camellia japonica tolerates temperatures of 40–70°F. Camellia 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 to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Camellia 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 is suited to USDA Zone 6b – 10a.

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 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 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 is hardy down to USDA zone 6b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

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

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

Camellia 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 grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6b – 10a. It survives winters down to planting zone 6b. Camellia is native to China and Japan, and grows naturally in forests at altitudes of around 300–1,100 metres (980–3,600 ft).