Growing and caring for camellias
These beautiful evergreen shrubs are growing on streets and gardens everywhere.
There are two principle camellia species filled in nurseries and numerous half breeds. These are Camellia sasanqua (typically called sasanquas) and Camellia japonica (referred to generally as japonicas).
CAMELLIA FLOWERING SEASON AUSTRALIA
Sasanquas are in blossom now. In winter, they'll hand the cudgel to japonicas, and these bushes convey it until spring. Aside from their long blooming period, camellias have a great deal to bring to the table . They are fit and sound plants with not many nuisance or infection issues so they'll be without inconvenience.
They have likewise shone out as of late for their dry spell resilience. Shockingly with simply an incidental profound watering and a decent layer of mulch over their underlying foundations set up camellias can withstand sweltering, dry climate.
Also, as they are evergreen (that is they don't lose their leaves during this season), they give a green foundation to the harvest time tones and uncovered parts of numerous other nursery plants.
HEDGING AND SCREENING
Camellias, especially sasanquas, are an ideal decision for garden fences or screens. With assortments developing as low bushes a meter or so tall up to plants a few meters tall, camellias offer assortment.
Plant enormous camellias around a meter separated yet place low supports 30–40cm separated. Great decisions for a meter high fence are 'Little Liane' (white) or 'Heaven Petite' (pink). For a taller support consider the pink-blossomed 'Manor Pink'.
CAMELLIA CARE TIPS
Although most camellias prefer a semi-shaded position, they grow in full sun or shade. Remember though, the more sun exposure, the more water camellias need, particularly after planting and during flowering. Sasanquas perform well in full sun, but need less water and are less stressed with a little shade. The japonicas that cope best with full sun conditions are the red-flowered varieties such as 'Bob Hope'.
Whether you are growing camellias in sun or shade, make sure their root system is covered with a generous layer of organic matter such as leaf mould, well-rotted cow manure or compost. Renew the mulch periodically through the year by adding more to the top. There is no need to dig it in – indeed, digging around camellias damages the roots and should be avoided.
CAMELLIA PESTS
There is a new pest of camellias, which must be watched for. It is an insect called the camellia tea mite. It has taken hold in some gardens perhaps during the drought when the camellias were stressed by lack of water. This pest causes a dull band down the centre of affected leaves around the midrib. The mite is a tiny insect that feeds on the leaf.Remove badly affected leaves and put them in a bag and into the rubbish bin. Spray with PestOil or EcoOil. Water and fertilise camellias to encourage new growth. If the pest continues to be a problem, use a systemic insecticide.
Camellia tea mites
cause bronzing along the middle of the leaf and leaves may curl and have a dull appearance. Also known as the Ribbed Tea Mite, it's a pest of the tea plant Camellia sinensis and ornamental camellias. Mites like dry conditions, so hose your plants to increase humidity.
