Beginners Guide to the Container Growing of Camellias

Camellias love moist acid soils and a sheltered position in dappled shade. A west facing position is desirable as the early morning sun which follows a frosty night scorches the flowers turning them to mush. They will only grow in soil which is lime free or neutral, but having an alkaline soil doesn’t prevent the gardener growing these exotic flowering evergreens. The answer is to grow them in containers which has the added benefit of enabling them to be moved into the ideal position at flowering time.

Choice of Containers for Camellias

There is a wide range of containers on the market which may be used for growing camellias, including those made from decorative plastic, terracotta, natural stone, glazed pottery and wood. The choice comes down to individual tastes with the one proviso that for successful growth any pot, tub or urn should be at least 45cm in both diameter and depth.

Growing Medium for Camellias

Plants in containers don’t grow well in garden soil. For camellias always use a lime free ericaceous compost (growing medium) which has been specially blended to be free draining and acidic. Place some crocks or coarse gravel in the bottom of the container to ensure sufficient drainage

Care of Camellias in Pots

Don’t plant or re-pot camellias any deeper than they were growing in their original container. Leave a gap of 2.5-5cm from the rim of the pot to allow room for watering. Water regularly especially during dry spells in summer, because dry roots at this time results in the new flower buds dropping off in winter. Apply an ericaceous liquid fertilizer once or twice a month in spring and summer. Pruning of camellias is minimal, simply remove any wayward or leggy branches after flowering. Dead-head camellias regularly as the flowers fade.

Some Camellias to Grow in Containers

The growing of camellias by the amateur gardener was given a great boost by the the work of the late Mr J C Williams of Caerhays Castle about 50 years ago. By crossing Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis he developed a new race which became known as Camellia x williamsii. This hardy group of camellias is particularly recommended for container growing and contains many notable cultivars including:-

• ‘J.C.Williams’ which makes an upright open bush with somewhat arching branches. The deep, dark, shining green leaves are roughly oval in shape and the stalkless single flowers which are phlox pink in colour and up to 10cm across appear in leaf-axils in late winter or early spring.
• ‘Anticipation’ is a narrow upright shrub bearing very large, peony shaped crimson flowers in early spring.
• ‘Donation’ is compact and erect with large semi-double pink flowers in late winter/early spring.
• ‘Galaxie’ makes a rounded shrub and carries double, light pink flowers with thin red stripes and streaks in mid-spring.

Buy These Exotic Evergreen Shrubs When They Flower

After choosing the right sized container and sufficient ericaceous compost buy these exotic flowering evergreens when they are full of glorious blooms. They can be moved around the garden, balcony or patio to add instant spring colour and they are not as difficult to grow as is often assumed.