CAMELLIAS 
CAMELLIA CULTURE 
LOCATION. Camellias prefer partial shade, but may be grown 
in full sun. Never attempt to grow them in full shade. Those 
planted in a sunny location usually produce more flowers and 
are bushier and healthier. Particular care should be taken 
against reflected sun. Camellias should not be planted close 
to concrete or white walls that reflect afternoon sun. 
SOIL. Camellias prefer a good rich loamy soil with acid re- 
action. This is assured in Central Florida by mixing a good 
grade of pulverized peat half and half with good top soil, 
adding a good organic fertilizer. The amount of fertilizer 
needed depends on the size of the plant. (For a 24 to 30-inch 
plant add 14lb.; for a 30 to 42-inch plant use 34lb.; for a 42 to 
60-inch plant add 1 lb.) Mix soil and fertilizer well. The hole 
for the plant should be dug large enough to allow at least 8 or 
10 inches of ‘‘Camellia soil” on all sides and under the ball of 
the plant. 
DRAINAGE. It is very important to select a well-drained loca- 
tion, for Camellias will not survive in soil that is waterlogged 
during the rainy season, although they do require sufficient 
moisture at all times. 
PLANTING. The main point to remember in planting Ca- 
mellias is that they are surface feeders and must not be planted 
deep. The crown of the root ball should never be lower than 
the soil level. We recommend that enough soil be firmly 
tamped in the bottom ofthe hole to allow the top of the root 
ball to be about 2 inches above the level of the adjacent ground 
at the time of planting. All soil below and at the sides of the 
ball should be firmly packed to prevent air pockets. Be sure 
to soak plants thoroughly at time of planting. 
MULCH. A good mulch of 3 inches of pine straw or oak leaves 
should be applied around Camellias after planting. This mulch 
not only aids in holding moisture around the plant but will 
also help to protect the surface roots from the hot sun. 
FERTILIZING. Camellias should be fed with a good acid 
fertilizer. Azalea and Camellia fertilizers are made particularly 
to meet their requirements. The amount of fertilizer applied 
will vary according to the size of the plant and the condition 
of the soil. Plants should always be watered well after plant 
food is applied. When using our special formula, the quantity 
recommended for an application varies from 14 pound for an 
8 to 12-inch plant to 6 to 8 pounds for an 8 to 10-foot plant. 
Since most Camellias start new growth and form new buds 
right after the blooming season, there should be a good applica- 
tion of fertilizer at this time. Usually March 1 to 15 is about 
right for the first feeding in Central Florida, and another about 
June 1 to 15. A light application in October or November, 
not heavy enough to stimulate growth, will condition the 
plants for blooming season. 
WATERING. This is one of the most essential points in the 
successful growing of Camellias. Watering not only assures 
proper growth and development of flower buds but is a definite 
aid in the prevention of disease. Camellias prefer a moist soil 
at all times and the length of time between waterings will de- 
pend on climatic and soil conditions. In most instances, a 
thorough soaking of the root ball once each week is sufficient. 
Water should be applied liberally so that it will penetrate 
to the deepest roots. In addition to soaking the soil, the 
foliage should be sprinkled at frequent intervals, for this is 
helpful in prevention of pests as weil as beneficial to the foliage 
and plant during dry weather. Foliage should not be sprinkled 
when there are direct sun rays on the plant. 
SPRAYING. Camellias have very few pests. Scales are their 
worst enemy. A thorough spraying with Volck or some other 
approved oil emulsion in a 1 to 60 solution will clean them up. 
8 Florida Nursery & Landscape Co. 


