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Who would n’t rick their head to a garden filled with bright camellia blooms ? May it be a screen or focal degree to a landscape or cutflowers in a bouquet , the camellia , from its dark green foliation that can be call on into soothe and healing tea to its many - petaled flower that may mean purity or rage when given to a loved one , is bound to suffer out .
afford the veracious care and growing conditions , the camellia flora will thrive and will definitely captivate one ’s mother wit .
camellia japonica
Camellia Origin
The camellia plant ( Camellia spp ) has been a raw material in garden not just inChina , Japan , and Vietnam where it originate but in Europe and America where it has gained popularity as well ( 4 ) .
This plant is identify by the nifty Linnaeus after the Jesuit missioner , George Joseph Kamel or Camellia in recognition of his donation to the field of pharmaceutic phytology ( 3 ) .
Camellia As An Ornamental Plant
Because of its achiever as an outdoor plant life as well as its economic value , investigator and cultivators have shared a common interest and today , there are more than 200 identified coinage and over 40,000 cultivar of camellia .
Camellia japonica ( Japanese Camellia ) , C. reticulata , and Camellia sasanquaThunberg are among the species of enceinte ornamental time value . Sasanqua camellia bloom with frail flowers , and their camellia sasanqua cultivar parade a wide mountain chain of colour and growth habit .
Most species have their own unique and worthy characteristics and are highly used in hybridization to produce more attractive and climate adaptive varieties;C. petelotiifor the yellow color as opposed to the more common lily-white , pinkish , and red , C. lutchuensisfor fragrance , andC. oleiferafor frost - robustness ( 5 ) .
Some vulgar hybrids include : ‘ Debbie ’ Camellia with rich recondite rose - pink flowers in both peony and sea anemone form on the same scrub , Camellia x ‘ Buttermint ’ with beautiful pale pantry - yellow-bellied semi - double flowers that lighten up up any tint garden and ‘ Fairy Blush ’ camellia , a moderate growing shrub that only rise 4 - 5 feet marvelous with dainty single white flowers each blushed pink around the edges with bright yellow stamens ( 6 ) .
Camellia As A Culinary Plant
The camellia industrial plant is not all about the looks , though . Belonging to the Theaceae or Tea Family , the camellia plant is historically raise for the production of tea .
The most uncouth specie used in making the world famous drink is theCamellia sinensisvar.sinensisandC. sinensisvar.assamicawhich are widely distributed in China .
The young leave and buds are harvested to be brewed into culinary and medicinal tea but aside from Camellia sinensis production , camelia plants are being utilized for vegetable oil extraction specifically , the seeds .
Another species , theCamellia oleiferahas the farsighted account of being cultivated for crude product as well asC. drupiferaandC. reticulate(1 ) .
How to Grow Camellias
Nowadays , most camelia are cultivated for their ornamental time value . Although many cultivars now exist which are adapt to different develop conditions , several factor still need to be considered in fiat to successfully grow this plant life .
Light and Climate
Most of the camelia species are native to China and although in the main subtropic , many cultivars can be acquire in temperate regions particularly theC. japonicacultivars ( 4 ) .
In areas with more dangerous climate , consider plant camelia in nursery especially during winter . Camellias maturate in dappled shade usually provided by tree canopy . As withmost species of heyday , camelia postulate good light to blossom bud form , but the shade protects the bloom and leave from extreme winds and rains ( 1 ) .
Soil Type
Camellias thrive in well - draining , slightly alkalic soil . They prefer rich , loamy soil that retain dirt moist but not waterlogged .
A motley of organic subject , such as compost or peat moss , commingle with sandy soil or perlite to improve drain , creates an ideal growing medium for camellias .
Avoid heavy Lucius Clay soils , which can lead to water stagnation and root rot . to boot , implement a stratum of mulch around the groundwork of the plant serve hold wet , govern soil temperature , and suppress weed ontogeny , further advertise the health and vigor of camellias .
Water Requirement
Watering camellias should be monitored . They do not tolerate drought so ample water supply must be provided during the leaf and shoot development period , usually in the early spring . In previous wintertime , these potted plants are dormant and should be middling watered ( 1 ) .
Fertilizer Application
Fertilizers are also of import to supply the necessary nutrient to the plant life particularly nitrogen , phosphorus , potassium , iron , magnesium , sulphur , and calcium ( 2 ) . eat camellias is crucial for their wellness and growth .
plant food program on your plant in garden should be 3 prison term a twelvemonth and for potted camellia , program should be every four to six calendar week .
Pests and Diseases
While broadly problem - free , they can occasionally face disease issues . Here are some common Camellia diseases :
Planting and Maintenance
Camellias are considered tall shrubs which can reach up to nine meters in height . When growing them in gardens , it is also crucial to dress camellias to keep them at the recommended peak , usually about two metre .
To disperse camellias , gardeners employ various methods , include atmosphere layering , semi - ripe cuttings , and the more successful graft proficiency .
Additionally , it ’s crucial to take note that depending on the cultivar , camellias might begin coiffe next year ’s flush buds as early as mid - summertime . Therefore , timely pruning is indispensable — consider doing it as soon as this year ’s blush have fade ( 5 ) .
FAQs
Where do camelia develop best ?
Camellias grow best in temperate climates with meek winters and moderate humidness . They prosper in well - drain , acidic stain and opt locations with partial shade or filter sunlight .
Do camellias like direct sun ?
No , Camellias prefer partial wraith to permeate sunshine . While they can tolerate some verbatim sun , particularly in the morning or late good afternoon , prolonged photo to intense sunlight can scorch their leafage and cause sunburn .
How often do you pee camellias ?
Water camelia regularly , especially during dry flow or when newly engraft . Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . mulch around the substructure of the plant life helps continue soil moisture and regulate soil temperature .
Are camelia best in heap or in the ground ?
Camellias can thrive both in stool and in the ground , depending on the specific growing term and preferences of the gardener . When grown in pots , ensure they have adequate drain and use a suited acidic potting intermixture . In the ground , plant camellias in well - drained , acidic dirt amended with organic issue .
Are camellias punishing to maintain ?
No , Camellias are generally depressed - maintenance plant , but they have specific requirements to fly high . They favor acidic grime , regular watering , and protection from harsh sunlight and strong winds .
Up Next : Camellia Flower Meaning and Symbolism
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( 1 ) Bartholomew , Bruce . “ The Chinese Species of Camellia in Cultivation . ”Arnoldia , vol . 46 , no . 1 , 1986 , pp . 2–15 .
( 2 ) Caser , M. , et al . “ ethene and the Postharvest Performance of Cut Camellia Flowering Branches . ”Advances in Horticultural Science , vol . 29 , no . 2/3 , 2015 , pp . 116–120 .
( 3 ) Cullum , Leo A. “ Georg Joseph Kamel : Philippine Botanist , Physician , Pharmacist . ”Philippine Studies , vol . 4 , no . 2 , 1956 , pp . 319–339.JSTOR .
( 4 ) ( eFloras.org ) Flora of China Vol . 12 Page 366 , 367 .
( 5 ) Hakoda , Naotoshi , and Tran Ninh . “ 426 . camelia FLAVA : Theaceae . ”Curtis ’s Botanical Magazine , vol . 18 , no . 4 , 2001 , pp . 190–193 .
( 6 ) Le Strange , Michelle . “ How to Grow Carefree Camellias . ” Master Gardener Newspaper [ University of California ] , 25 April 2025 , p. A11 .
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