Spring Blooming Camellias

Just before many spring-flowering plants put forth their long-awaited display of color… Camellia japonica beats them to the punch with glorious early seasonal blooms.  And speaking of blooms – look for varieties that are single, semi-double, double or peony-like in pure white or shades of pinks, reds, and pale yellows.

Considered one of the ‘old standards’ in southern gardens, Japanese camellia can be grown on Long Island in Zone 7 (most of LI is Zone 7, except for a few areas of Suffolk County that are considered 6A).  For best results, plant in a sheltered, protected location that affords some partial shade from intense sun.  Japanese camellias are well suited for planting around foundations, borders, fences and walls.  You can grow camellias in planters, providing that the planters can be left out of doors all year round and there’s adequate room for soil. They are slow growing plants so plan and plant with this in mind.

You’ll be rewarded with healthy happy camellias if you spend time preparing the soil before planting.  A soil that is moist, yet well drained; acidic (have the pH tested); and abundant with organic matter is ideal.  Most soils need and will benefit from added compost or composted manure, so don’t skimp on soil amendments. Work them in prior to planting.

Helpful tips for growing Japanese camellias: Maintain adequate soil moisture; an inch of water (or rain) per week should be adequate during the growing season. Pay attention to possible summer droughts and water as needed; never allow the soil to go bone dry.  Due to their shallow roots, two inches of mulch should be applied over the planting area (but not against the trunk of the plant) to help retain needed soil moisture. A little extra TLC during the winter months can go a long way to protecting those beautiful spring-blooming buds. Consider wrapping plants, especially if in exposed locations, with burlap. In addition, they require little, if any, pruning. If you need to prune, it’s best to do so right after flowering.

Choose from:

Kumasaka

Lemon Glow

April Pink

April Blush

April Snow

Korean Fire

Pink Icicle

Jerry Hill

Spring Circus

Lu Shan Snow

April Tryst

edithae 'Dongnan Shancha'

RL Wheeler

Classic Pink

April Dawn

April Kiss

April Remembered