Mature Height/Spread. Common Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) is a broadleaved, evergreen shrub, which may grow to a height of 25 feet, but more often to 6 to 12 feet. It has a spread of 6 to 10 feet.

Do camellias grow fast?

Camellia is a rapid grower and will reach 6 to 14 feet high by 5 to 7 feet wide. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils with a neutral to acidic pH. It will grow in clay, loam, or sandy soils and is slightly salt tolerant.

Where is the best place to plant a camellia?

In general, camellias grow and bloom better in light, partial shade, with shelter from hot afternoon sun. This is especially true for young plants, which thrive under the shade of tall trees or when grown on the north side of a house.

How quickly do camellia bushes grow?

This shrub grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year.

What is the tallest camellia?

Camellia reticulata is a gray-barked shrub or tree of as much as fifty feet in height, the tallest of the species.

Growing Camellias

41 related questions found

Are camellias invasive?

Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), deutzia (Deutzia gracilis), Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), and common camellia (Camellia japonica) are just a few of the nonnative plants that don't exhibit the delusions of grandeur some of their compatriots do.

Do camellias need trellis?

Plants growing too close to walls can suffer from heat stress, as well. To espalier your camellia you'll need to provide some kind of support for the main stem and branches. ... Begin by planting your camellias within a few inches of the wire or trellis and gently tying the main or center stem so it grows straight up.

What is the best time of year to plant camellias?

When to Plant Camellias

The best time to plant camellias is in fall or early spring. Fall is best in warmer areas, as it gives the plants time to grow deep root systems without the stress of summer heat. In cooler areas, plant in the spring for best results.

How do you make a camellia bushier?

Young, newly planted camellias can be shaped by cutting back any thin shoots or removing them completely. This will also help to encourage a bushy shrub to form. Any varieties that have reverted to the parent plant and are producing flowers of a different colour can have those branches removed in spring.

What is the difference between a camellia and an sasanqua?

While the Japanese (Camellia japonica) and sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua) camellias are very similar, the main difference between the two species is their bloom time. Japanese camellias may bloom between fall and spring, depending on the cultivar.

Do Camellias stay green all year?

As the name suggests, these plants stay green all year long, which can brighten many a winter garden, especially in northern climates.

How much room does a camellia need?

Allow a minimum of five feet between plants, and preferably more. When planting a hedge, a distance of three feet between plants is recommended. The following steps should be followed when planting a camellia.

Can camellia grow in full shade?

Back to Top Camellias can be grown in full sun, partial or even full shade. Dappled shade is perhaps ideal especially for white flowering forms. They can readily withstand the coldest winters and are fully hardy. They are tap rooting plants and grow very quickly.

Do camellias make a good hedge?

Most camellias grow in a tidy, bushy way, and they tolerate being pruned to whatever size and shape suits you-a characteristic that made them such successful hedging plants for centuries in the old gardens of Spain and Portugal.

Can camellias be a hedge?

HEDGING AND SCREENING

Camellias, particularly sasanquas, are an ideal choice for garden hedges or screens. With varieties growing as low shrubs a metre or so tall up to plants several metres tall, camellias offer variety. Plant large camellias around a metre apart but place low hedges 30–40cm apart.

Are camellias difficult to grow?

Camellias have a reputation for being somewhat difficult to grow, but if you're willing to meet their needs, they'll reward you with a long bloom season just when you need it most, between fall and spring. There's a lot to know about growing this beautiful evergreen flowering shrub.

Can camellias be cut back hard?

Camellias are very forgiving plants and unlike most other evergreen shrubs they can be pruned back very hard if needed to rejuvenate a old tree and will nearly always come back with an abundance of new growth. ... Always prune straight after flowering has finished in spring. Pruning late may remove next year's flower buds.

Should I deadhead camellias?

For shrubs that bloom only once in a season, such as camellias and lilacs, removing the old flowers helps to conserve the plant's resources so it can maintain healthy leaf and root growth. Just pinch off old blooms.

Is a camellia a tree or bush?

Camellias are long-lived trees and shrubs that provide year-round glossy-green foliage and cool-season flowers and have an undeserved reputation for being hard to grow.

Can camellias be espaliered?

Camellias can be espaliered onto walls. However, this technique doesn't always provide good air circulation and promotes diseases. Plants growing too close to walls can suffer from heat stress, as well. In this situation, build a wire or wooden framework to support your camellia.

Can I plant a camellia close to my house?

Camellias can be planted close to a house, but distance and spacing depend on the mature size of the variety.

What can I plant next to a camellia?

When it comes to choosing camellia plant companions, consider plants such as hostas, rhododendrons, ferns or azaleas. Camellias are shallow-rooted plants, which means they won't thrive next to trees or shrubs with long, complex root systems. For instance, you may want to avoid poplars, willows, or elms.

Do Camellias have deep roots?

Because the camellia has a shallow root system, it should be planted virtually on the surface and no deeper than it was when in its pot. Many plants are killed by planting too deep. A can or stake tied to the plant will make it secure from winds until the roots get established.