Japanese camellia care guide
Camellia japonica
Also known as: Camellia, Wild camellia
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Japanese camellia
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; drying out in summer makes the buds set in autumn drop.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Buds are developing, so as a guide water about a day after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- It is also flowering, so avoid letting it dry out; as a guide, water on a mild day once the soil is dry.
Light and placement for Japanese camellia
Grows in partial shade to sun; a spot with morning sun and bright afternoon shade is generally ideal, while harsh western summer sun and dry wind scorch leaves and drop buds.
Overwintering Japanese camellia
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Hardy enough to overwinter outdoors as a guide, though hard frost and cold wind brown the buds and flowers, so pots do best under eaves out of the wind.
Fertilizing and repotting Japanese camellia
Fertilizer
As a guide, a little slow-release fertilizer after flowering in April or May and again in early autumn; a garden tree gets by on one winter feeding.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Japanese camellia
- Tea tussock moth caterpillars appear in early summer and again in late summer and strip the leaves.
- A pot that dries out in summer drops its buds before they open.
- Hard pruning after midsummer removes the flower buds, so it does not bloom.
Tips for growing Japanese camellia
- Prune right after flowering and finish by June to keep the buds that form in summer.
- Tussock moth caterpillars have stinging hairs, so cut off infested branches without touching them.
- If buds are crowded, thin them to one or two per shoot for larger flowers.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
