The camellia, which is a shrub that can reach 5 to 6 meters in height, is rather a plant of undergrowth, which appreciates semi-shaded situations.
There are many species, the best known of which is Camellia japonica. Camellia sasanqua, Camellia x williamsii, Camellia reticulata and all the hybrids from these four original species arrived after the war.
Some varieties of camellias
Among the Camellia japonica :
- Camellia japonica 'Adolphe Audusson', the most widespread of the French camellias. The example shown is a stemmed camellia, but most camellias are shrubby, with branches present from the base of the trunk.
- Camellia japonica 'Abbé de Beaumont', a very old variety with large late pink flowers.
- Among the hybrids :
- Camellia 'Freedom Bell', a very long flowering camellia with a semi-double flower.
- Planting advice
- The camellia is a heathland plant that grows on rather acid soils. In Brittany, where soils are generally acid, fill the first half of the planting hole with original soil, and the second half with a mixture of 1/3 heather soil and 2/3 original soil.
- In rather calcareous grounds, it is necessary to fill the holes of plantation with soil of heather, only.
- The exposure is also an important element to take into account during the plantation. The camellia is a mid-shade plant, so it should be placed if possible in the north, or east, so that it is in the shade in summer and that, in winter, it thaws slowly.
Camellia maintenance
Although it grows slowly, the camellia may need to be pruned after a few years, which it does very well.
However, it is important to be able to prune it before it starts to grow again in spring. If you prune too late, when the vegetation has restarted, the coming flowering will be inhibited.
Camellia diseases and pests
Camellias can be victims of mealy bugs and fumagine. If their presence has an obvious aesthetic impact, it does not affect the health of the camellia.
To eliminate mealy bugs, spray white oil under the leaves; this is where they are found. Take action as soon as you see a little black on the leaves.
Camellia, a plant of patience
The camellia needs a certain number of years of cultivation to reach an interesting volume. A plant that can be found on sale is between 5 and 10 years old, or even more (up to 15 years).
