Common camellia

Plant family

Teestrauchgewächse (Theaceae)

Also known as

Japanese Camellia

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

150 cm

Row spacing

150 cm

Seeding depth

20 cm

Instructions

Description

Camellia is a genus of plants belonging to the tea shrub family (Theaceae). There are 200 to 300 plant species of camellia, including the Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) and the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), from which real tea is made. Camellias grow as shrubs or trees and are evergreen. They are grown as ornamental plants and for tea production. Camellia captivate with lush, colorful flowers. The shrubs can grow up to more than 10 m high in old age.

Growing tips

Most plants are not hardy or only limited. They are therefore best kept in a conservatory at a temperature between 13-16°C in winter. In winter, the plant should be placed in partial shade, as too much sunlight can damage the leaves. In summer, it also likes sunlight. They like high humidity and should be watered regularly, but should not be kept wet. Rhododendron soil and fertilizer is well suited to camellias. Must be repotted often. Propagate by cuttings. Good neighbors are rhododendrons, carpet dogwoods, other woody plants and perennials. Plant up to the soil mark.