Camellias can be successfully cultivated in pots or containers as long as you follow the following care tips:
Which plant pot?
Camellias accept a lot, but absolutely no waterlogging!
Therefore, choose a plant pot that has enough drainage holes in the bottom and avoid using saucers so that the camellia doesn't get its feet wet. Use small clay feet instead.
Make sure that the plant pot is not too large. Choose a pot or container that is no more than one size larger than the container the camellia is in. Since camellias are shallow-rooted, the pot should be wide and shallow rather than narrow and deep. Clay pots have the advantage that they do not dry out as easily in summer as pots or containers made of plastic and are certainly a better match for the noble plants. Terracotta made from Impruneta is frost-proof, but also more expensive.
How to plant?
Fill the pot 25 percent with pebbles or expanded clay so that the water can drain easily. We also offer practical drainage cushions for this purpose. Make sure that the drain holes are not blocked by small stones. Use slightly acidic soil, e.g. rhododendron soil, and mix 1/3 of it with a good potting soil; there is now also special camellia soil available in stores. The camellia is then placed in the pot so that it is no deeper than before in the container.
Care
Camellias in pots are mobile and can be easily placed in different locations. For this they need careful care. They need to be watered regularly so that the soil remains constantly moist, but it must not be wet. In winter the camellias need less water, but under no circumstances should they dry out. Watering is then carried out on frost-free days.
Should be fertilized after flowering from May to the end of July, in mild areas also until the end of August. There are special camellia fertilizers, you can also use rhododendron fertilizer, but then only half the amount specified. Liquid fertilizer is particularly easy to use.
Winter protection
Camellias in pots should be protected at the entrance to the house or on the terrace and should remain outdoors for as long as possible.
The pot receives winter protection from coconut matting, the soil can be covered with leaves and brushwood. When temperatures are as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, you can temporarily place the camellia in the cold garage or in the cool basement at temperatures up to a maximum of 10 degrees.
Camellia hybrid "Quintessence" can be seen in the picture
