Planting Camellias

The home site in this project has an open area in the front yard near some oaks that haven't reached mature size yet. Dawson chooses a variety of camellia that will grow well in full sun and then in the partial shade when the oaks mature.

'Winter's Snowman' is a hybridized cross between C. sasanqua and the tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera). This variety has a smaller stature and an upright form. It grows six to eight feet tall and spreads three to five feet wide. This mid-season bloomer produces fragrant white anemone-form blooms.

Around the side of the house, there is an open area adjacent to the neighbor's yard. The homeowners would like a screen, or informal hedge, in this area to provide some privacy. This area also has some oaks that already shade the space.

To plant camellias in the landscape:

• Remove sod and dig a hole that is at least two feet wider around than the root ball.
  
• Camellias don't like wet feet. To enhance drainage, excavate a circular ring around the center mound on which the root ball will be placed.
  
• Tease out the roots a bit to help them become established once planted. Place the root ball on the central mound.
  
• Backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and an organic compound. The compound will improve the soil quality by providing additional nutrients to the plant.
  
• Build a small ridge out of soil all along the perimeter of the planting hole to create a water rim. This will help retain adequate moisture where the roots need it.
  
• Cover the soil with mulch and water well.

All camellias prefer a slightly acidic soil. Pine bark mulch or pine straw and needles increase the acidity of the soil as they break down. Dawson uses pine bark mulch in this project.

Camellias need adequate moisture. Water the new plants every day for the first couple of months, and then gradually reduce the amount of water as they become established. Wait four to six weeks after planting before the first fertilization. Always test the soil to determine what the soil is lacking and what nutrients need to be added.

Camellias require moist, well-drained soil. Dawson uses a rich, high-quality potting soil that has been amended with peat moss. Be sure the soil doesn't dry out between waterings. On the other hand, camellias won't tolerate standing water in the saucer, so water only until the soil is moist, not water-logged.