Camellia Information

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Overview

Camellias are evergreen shrubs with large, broad leaves. They bloom from April to September. There are more than 2,300 different types of camellias.

Preference

Camellias like well-drained soil rich in organic materials. Young camellias need shelter from full sun and wind, which can dry out the plants until they are established.

Size

Most camellias grow 6 to 12 feet tall, but the common Japanese camellia can grow 25 feet high. Camellias spread 6 to 10 feet wide when mature.

Growth Rate

Camellias grow very slowly and may be quite old. Some common Japanese camellias in Japan are over 500 years old.

Uses

Camellias are used in landscaping as large shrubs, borders and screens. The focus of camellias is the large, showy ornamental flowers.

Diseases and Pests

Diseases like dieback and canker, root rot, camellia flower blight and leaf gall affect camellias. Remove the affected parts of the plants. The main pest is the tea scale, which can be sprayed with refined horticultural oil.

References

Clemson University Extension: Camellia

Keywords: camellia, evergreen shrub, flower blight

About this Author

Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." She has an Associate of Arts from Rogue Community College with a certificate in computer information systems.