When To Plant Camellias For Healthy Plants And More Blooms

The lush, colorful blooms of camellias are a favorite winter sight throughout the South. Stroll through the squares in Savannah over Christmastime, and you’ll spot the big magenta-red blooms popping out from among the trees. Walk around a leafy neighborhood in Alabama, and you’ll understand why those luscious blossoms earned their place as the state flower.

While these blooms would always be considered beautiful on their own accord, their timing—blooming right in the dead of winter—is part of their appeal. They’re a vibrant dose of color when we’re surrounded by the shadow of dormant trees and the deep, rich tones of evergreens.

Which Camellias Bloom In The Winter?

While all camellias are evergreen, not all varieties put on their big show during the winter. Some show off early, adding color to the fall landscape, while others wait to display their blooms until spring’s warm temperatures have settled in.

Camellia japonica will give you the best winter blooms, with flowers first starting to pop open in January, then continuing through early spring.

Meanwhile, Camellia sasanqua blooms earlier, with its first blossoms showing up in fall, then overlapping with Camellia japonica by early in the new year.

When To Plant Camellias For Blooms Next winter

If you want to fill next winter with gorgeous, colorful camellia blooms, when should you plant them this year? According to David Parks, co-founder of Camellia Forest Nursery, the answer is, “It depends.”

“For warmer areas, fall planting is better so the plant can get roots established before winter,” says Parks. He explains that spring planting is a better idea in colder climates, where the threat of unusually cold winters is greater. Camellias are hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9, but that’s only once they’re established.

However, cold isn’t the only element to watch out for. As Jim Putnam, expert for Southern Living® Plant Collection, explains, the intense summer heat can also damage plants that haven’t yet established their roots. “Because the shrub will have less time to establish a thriving root system, it will require more frequent watering and closer attention during its first season,” says Putnam.

He recommends taking the size of the camellia into account. Larger plants require more time to establish their roots, even if they are a sturdier plant overall. Regardless of whether you plant in the fall or the spring, it’s worth making sure the time is available for the plant to put down firm roots. Putnam says, “Camellias are slow-growing shrubs, so establishing the root system early will ensure the best long-term performance.”

Tips For Planting Camellias

Whether you’re planting camellias in fall or spring, there are a few key tips to put your blooms on the right track for a colorful winter.

Ensure the soil is acidic

In acidic soil, camellias will thrive, with gorgeous dark green foliage and bright blooms. However, in alkaline soil, their leaves will turn yellow. Test the soil to make sure it’s acidic and, if it’s not, add the proper amendments. An azalea fertilizer used in spring or summer will help boost next season’s blooms.

Keep an eye on the drainage

If your soil is clay, add rich, organic matter and make sure that the soil is able to stay moist but never soggy. “For camellias, the most important thing is good soil drainage,” says Parks.

Putnam adds that planting camellias high can assist in maintaining the proper drainage needed for the plant to thrive. “Camellias do not like wet feet. Place the root ball slightly above the soil line (about 1.5”) to improve drainage.”

Water the plants consistently

Camellias don’t like to be wet, but they do like to be watered regularly. “Water in really well after planting and continue with regular watering. Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture, taking care to keep it away from the trunk,” says Putnam.

Protect them from the cold

Camellias are hardy shrubs down to USDA Zone 7 but, in the case of a cold snap shortly after planting, you can cover your camellia with a cardboard box to ward off the frigid temperatures. Luckily, this isn’t necessary once your plant is established (a good thing, since camellias have been known to grow up to 12″ a year, eventually reaching up to 25′ high!).