The Ultimate Guide to Growing Beautiful Camellias in Your Garden
Looking to add year-round beauty and structure to your garden? Camellias are a stunning evergreen option, known for their glossy green leaves and exquisite blooms that brighten up your space during autumn and winter. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, this guide will cover everything from how to grow camellias to the best camellia care tips, so your plants thrive in any New Zealand garden.
What Are Camellias?
Camellias are flowering evergreen shrubs native to Asia. They are beloved for their long flowering season, which often begins in late autumn and extends well into winter or early spring—offering vibrant colour when most other plants are dormant. Popular types include Camellia japonica, known for its large, formal blooms, and Camellia sasanqua, which features smaller flowers but blooms earlier and tolerates more sun.
When and Where to Plant Camellias
The best time to plant camellias in New Zealand is during autumn or early spring. Choose a sheltered spot that receives morning sun or dappled light, as camellias do best in part-shade. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially for Camellia japonica, which prefers cooler conditions.
If space is limited, consider growing camellias in pots. They're excellent container plants that look stunning on patios and balconies. Just ensure your pot has good drainage and is large enough to support growth.
Best Soil for Camellias
Camellias love slightly acidic, well-draining soil. A soil pH of around 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. If you're unsure of your soil type, you can improve drainage and acidity by adding peat moss, compost, or a specialised camellia and azalea mix like Tui’s Acid Mix.
How to Care for Camellias
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Watering: Camellias like consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and budding. Avoid waterlogging the roots—moist, not soggy, is the goal.
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Feeding: Use a specialised fertiliser for camellias in early spring and again after flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as they promote leaf growth over flowers.
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Mulching: Keep roots cool and moist with a layer of mulch—pine bark or leaf mould is perfect.
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Pruning Camellias: Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or weak wood. Light pruning helps improve air circulation and promotes stronger blooming the following season.
Camellia Flowering Season
Camellia sasanqua typically blooms from late autumn into early winter, while Camellia japonica flowers mid to late winter through spring. This makes camellias ideal for seasonal colour when many other plants are bare.
Common Camellia Problems
While camellias are relatively low-maintenance, they can occasionally suffer from:
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Bud drop, often due to overwatering or sudden temperature changes.
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Yellowing leaves, a sign of poor drainage or nutrient imbalance.
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Pests like scale insects or aphids—treat with a gentle horticultural oil or neem.
Landscaping with Camellias
Camellias make excellent hedging plants, privacy screens, or standout feature shrubs. Plant them alongside companion plants like azaleas, hellebores, or ferns that enjoy similar conditions.
Where to Buy Camellias in NZ
You’ll find a beautiful range of camellia varieties in NZ at Palmers, including over 15 different types, from soft pinks to deep reds and pure whites. Whether you're after a potted beauty or one ready to go straight in the ground, there’s a camellia to suit every space.
With the right care and placement, camellias will reward you with decades of spectacular blooms and evergreen beauty. Whether you're planting camellias in pots, pruning camellias for shape, or choosing the perfect camellia for shade, this timeless shrub brings elegance and colour to your garden all year round.