- My Camellia is being eaten by deer. Can I put it into a pot container? The plant is still small/medium size.
Camellias grow very well in our West Coast climate and do well in pots with some extra care and attention. When replanting your Camellia there are a few important things to consider:
Planting - Camellia japonica is the most common variety grown here which will mature to a large shrub or small tree between 6 to 12 feet tall and wide in a garden, while other varieties vary considerably in mature size. Although Camellias are considered slow to mature, the tendency is to plant into a large size pot selected for the eventual mature size. However, to avoid waterlogging the roots, plant into a container that is only just larger than the existing transplant root ball. Water sparingly until there are signs of the plant recovering. Planting is best done in the spring to give the plant time to settle in before temperatures become cooler in the fall when the flower buds form.
Over time as the plant matures and the potting media loses structure, repot in a slightly larger pot, not jumping into a significantly bigger one. They should be repotted every three years or so. Prune the roots and clean out the old soil from the root ball, then repot into the new container with fresh potting soil. If your Camellia becomes rootbound with its roots growing in circles around the inside of the pot, make 2 to 3 vertical slashes with a sharp knife, about ½ inch deep from the top to the bottom of the root ball.
We no longer put rubble or stones in the bottom of pots when planting as this impedes drainage. Pot feet are highly recommended to allow for drainage as Camellias do not like poor drainage and wet feet.
Location – Place the pot in filtered shade and protect from cold drying winds. Camellias thrive under the shade of tall trees or when grown on the north side of a house.
Soil – a well-drained planting mix containing 50 percent or more of organic material is recommended. Roots are generally not deep so Camellias benefit from a thick organic mulch during colder winter months which can be cleared away in the spring.
Fertilizing – Camellias prefer an acid soil so fertilize them lightly with an Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron fertilizer or a shrub and tree fertilizer that contains sulfur and/or iron. Avoid using fertilizers that contain much more than 10% nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer) and more than 20% phosphorous (the middle number). Fertilize once after bloom and do not fertilize later than the end of July. A top dressing of bone meal or blood meal on top of the mulch in early fall when flower buds are forming will assist in spring flowering.
Watering – make sure the plant is consistently watered as a steady supply of water helps the Camellia to move from flower buds to full flowers. Dry soil, occurring in late summer or early spring can cause the flower buds to fail to open. Ensure that your plant has a deep watering and an adequate supply of water during this critical time.
Pruning – Remove any dead or weak wood that has resulted from deer damage when you first replant. Overall, Camellias need very little pruning, but thin when growth is too dense for flowers to open properly. The best time for pruning is right after bloom.
Watch For - Look for new replacement leaves to emerge as the plant settles into its new location which is a sign that it is recovering from the deer damage. Over time, watch for yellowed leaves caused by too much sun; burned leaf edges caused by overfertilizing; and yellowed leaves with green veins which are signs of chlorosis which will respond to application of iron chelates.
Sources
rhs.org.uk/plants/camellia/frequently-asked-questions
https://www.thespruce.com/camellia-flowers-1316021
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287331
https://www.gardenia.net/guide/learn-how-to-plant-and-care-for-your-camellia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book. Kathleen Brenzel Editor, 2017, Camellias pages 215 to 218.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/thyme/thyme-companions.htm
Return to:
Shrubs page
You Asked Us page
Victoria Chapter page