When is the perfect time to repott Camellias flowers

Camellias need to be repotted when they have grown too large for their original pot they were growing in. Replant camellias grown in pots and small containers after every 2 years. However if the camellias are grown in larger containers then you do not have to repot them after 2 years, rather after 5 years or so.

The new container must have drainage holes to allow water to freely run off and prevent water logging

The new pot must have a diameter 5cm larger than the old pot. Do not repot in a pot that is too large as this will result in the camellia forming fewer buds.

How to repot camellias

  • Camellias should only be repotted during the growth phase as they root best this time.

  • Repot the plant when the pot becomes full of dense roots with very little soil

  • Ensure that the soil is moist before you can remove the camellia from its old pot

  • Tap the pot slightly so that the plant will easily fall out of the pot

  • Add new soil in the new pot and place the camellia in the center of the pot. Fill the rest of the pot with fresh soil

  • Gently press the soil down around the rootstock, making sure that space remains at the top of the pot for watering

Planting camellias outside

Camellias do not usually do well outdoors, except the hardy species and varieties which flourish in the garden. Plant camellias that are at least 4 years old and have woody resistant roots. They survive the winter cold and general outdoor weather.

Do not plant camellias sold in containers in the autumn outside. Only plant it during the summer.

  • Select an ideal position in the garden consider the soil, humidity and temperature in that position

  • Irrigate the camellia when its still in the pot

  • Dig a 40cm hole and fill it with a mixture of soil, which is well-decomposed and has moss peat

  • Plant the camellia in a position that allows it to sit firmly in the soil

  • Gently press the soil down using your foot, creating a gully

  • Irrigate well

Spread a 20cm thick layer of mulch, having well-rooted manure, compost or peat around the stem. This ensures that the plant does not dry out quickly.

Pruning

Pruning encourages the growth of the plant. It involves cutting back the buds and flowers of the caramel creating a smart elegant appearance.

The camellias regenerate quickly especially when they are pruned in favorable climatic growth conditions. The camellias will produce new shoots which reach a length of about 1m within a year.

Camellias that are damaged also regenerate quickly such as what happened to the 15 year old camellias growing in northern Germany . They lost about a meter of their upper growth due to harsh winter in 1985. By 1986 they had recovered and had new flowers.