La camellia, known as the "rose of Japan", is one of the most appreciated Asian shrubs worldwide for its spectacular flowering and extraordinary ornamental valueIts presence adds color, elegance, and life to any garden or terrace, and thanks to its adaptability, it is also successfully grown in pots. However, to enjoy a healthy, long-flowering camellia, it is essential to provide it with proper care and understand its specific requirements.
Origin, species and main characteristics
Camellia is a evergreen shrub or small tree originating from Southeast Asia, mainly from China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, where it forms part of humid and shady forests. The genus Camellia It comprises between 100 and 250 species, among which the following stand out:
- Camellia japonica: the most cultivated, with countless cultivars and colors. Its flowering usually occurs between late winter and spring.
- Camellia sinensis: the tea plant, with leaves used for medicinal infusions.
- Camellia sasanqua: appreciated for its fragrant autumn flowers and its more compact size, ideal for low hedges and bonsais.
- Camellia reticulata: known for its large flowers and spectacular ornamental varieties.
Depending on the species, camellias can reach from 1 to 10 meters tall. Its leaves are leathery, shiny, dark green and whole or slightly serrated edges. The flowering, one of its greatest attractions, offers large single, double, or semi-double flowers in shades ranging from white to purple, including pink and deep red. The fruit is a globular capsule that ripens in autumn.
Ideal conditions: climate, light and location
The healthy development of a camellia depends largely on its location and the microclimate that the chosen environment can provide:
- ClimateThey prefer temperate and humid climates, such as those in the north of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia and Asturias are their ideal habitats due to their cool, humid climate). However, with proper care, they can thrive in other regions. They withstand light frosts and even relatively cold winters., But They do not tolerate dry winds or prolonged exposure to intense sunlight..
- Solar exposition: In cool areas, they can tolerate more light, but in most regions it is preferable to place them in semi-shadow or where they receive only the morning sun (north or east facing). Protect from hot, dry winds, which dry out the buds and flowers. In pots, they can also be grown indoors as long as they have lots of light and high humidity.
- Humidity: It's essential. A dry environment can cause buds to dry out without opening, and new growth can be weak or sparse.
Soil, substrate and transplant
Camellias are acidophilic plants, that is, they require soils and substrates acids (pH between 4 and 6,5), rich in humus and very good drained. Calcareous soils or those with a high presence of lime cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves) and growth problems. If the soil is not acidic:
- Use specific substrates for acidophilic plants (azaleas, gardenias, camellias) in pots or add acidic organic matter (blond peat, pine needles, composted pine bark) to the garden.
- Improve drainage with river sand or perlite to prevent waterlogging.
- To maintain pH, water only with rainwater, softened water or water with a lemon mixture (avoid hard water). You can add iron or manganese supplements if you notice yellowing.
The transplant is best performed just after flowering or at the beginning of spring, handling the root ball with care, as its fine roots are very sensitive. If you have it in a pot, choose one with two or three centimeters more in diameter and place a layer of gravel or volcanic stone at the bottom to facilitate drainage.
Irrigation: frequency and type of water
El irrigation is one of the most critical factors for success in camellia cultivation. As plants native to humid climates, They need to keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged.Some practical tips:
- Frequency: Irrigation should be regular and generous in warm weather and when the plant is in bloom. In winter, reduce the frequency.
- Type of water: Uses rainwater, distilled, bottled or softened waterLime water raises the pH and promotes the development of chlorosis.
- Avoid waterloggingIf you're growing in a pot, make sure there's no standing water in the saucer. Excessive moisture can cause root rot.
- signs of dehydrationIf the leaves lose their shine or curl downward, the plant needs water.
In dry environments, spray water on the leaves at dusk to provide humidity.
Fertilization and nutrition
Camellias require a balanced diet to bloom profusely and maintain their vigorous foliage. Best practices include:
- Use specific fertilizers for acidophilic plants, liquid or granulated, from spring to the end of summerIn spring and early summer, give preference to fertilizers with more nitrogen to stimulate growth; from July to September, the proportion of phosphorous and potassium to improve flowering and bud development.
- Suspend fertilization from late summer until the following spring.
- If growth is weak or symptoms of chlorosis (yellow leaves) appear, add iron and manganese chelates.
- Avoid universal fertilizers or those with excess calcium.
Mulching with pine bark helps preserve moisture, maintain acidification, and protect roots from excessive heat and cold.
Pruning, training and maintenance
Camellia is a shrub of slow growth which requires minimal pruning to preserve its natural beauty. However, a gentle pruning after flowering promotes a more compact and vigorous plant:
- Perform pruning just after flowering, before new shoots appear.
- Delete dry, poorly oriented or crossed branches, and flowers marchitas.
- If you want larger flowers, you can thin flower buds (unbudding) to reduce their number and allow the plant to concentrate its energy on fewer flowers.
- Do not perform drastic pruning: Camellias take time to recover from severe cuts and may take a while to bloom again.
Common pests, diseases and pathologies
Although they are resistant, camellias can be affected by pests and fungal infections:
- Aphids: They attack tender shoots and buds. They are eliminated with systemic insecticides, neem oil, or potassium soap, which are safe for organic farming.
- Waxy or cottony mealybug: It adheres to leaves and stems. It can be removed with a cloth moistened with water and alcohol, or with summer oil applied in May.
- Red spider and thrips: They damage the leaves from the underside, leaving small spots and black dots. Spray the leaves with water or apply neem oil.
- Fungi: La botrytis and the powdery mildew They can cover the leaves with grey dust, while the sooty mold or bold It produces a black scab after attacks by aphids and mealybugs. Use preventative treatments with sulfur, copper, or specific fungicide sprays during spring and fall.
- Chlorosis: Yellowing of leaves is a symptom of iron or manganese deficiency, or overwatering. Correct with chelates and adjusting the watering frequency.
- Chancres and viruses: The chancres They are wounds on trunks and branches caused by fungi Glomerella o PhomopsisThe virus causes spots or mosaics on the leaves. Remove and destroy the affected parts.
- Physiopathies caused by dry environments: Buds that do not open and dry out, leaves that lose shine and vitality usually indicate a lack of environmental humidity or insufficient watering.
Propagation: seeds, cuttings and layering
Camellia can be propagated by different methods:
- Seeds: Sow in spring using acidic substrate, cover lightly and keep moist. Germination takes one to two months.
- Cuttings: Cut semi-woody branches to about 30 cm in spring. Apply rooting hormone and plant in porous substrate (kanuma, acidic substrate). Rooting usually occurs within two months.
- Layer: A technique that involves removing a ring of bark from a lower branch, applying hormones, and wrapping it with acidic substrate and plastic until it roots in 2-3 months. Once rooted, it is separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Hardiness and adaptability
Camellia can withstand frosts down to -15ºC and can live for decades if its basic needs are respected. However, severe frost can damage young shoots and buds, so it's advisable to protect young specimens during very cold winters.
Specific care of camellia bonsai
The camellia bonsai is a spectacular option for those looking to combine the beauty of this plant with the art of bonsai. Specific care to keep it healthy and beautiful includes:
- Location: Outdoors, in semi-shade, protected from dry winds and strong sun.
- Irrigation: Constant and controlled; do not let the substrate dry out completely. Always use lime-free water.
- Substratum: Kanuma or very porous mixtures, always acidic.
- Pruning: Only healthy specimens. Shoot reduction in autumn and faded flowers. Training pruning is done in late winter.
- Transplant: Every 2 or 3 years after flowering, lightly trim the roots.
- Wiring: Only in spring-summer and with caution.
- Subscriber: Specific fertilizer for acidophilic bonsai in spring and summer.
- Styles: It lends itself to all styles of bonsai, excelling in formal vertical and cascading.
To learn how to train your bonsai from a seedling, check out the audiovisual resource included above.
Uses of camellia: ornamental, medicinal and symbolic
Ornamental value
Camellia is one of the plants most valued for gardens and terraces where the soil is acidic or slightly acidic. It allows the creation low, medium-sized hedges or isolated specimens, and is perfect for pots on balconies and patios with partial shade. Its long-lasting bloom and varied shapes and colors make it an excellent choice for any green space.
Medicinal
La Camellia sinensis It is widely appreciated for its medicinal uses, especially in the preparation of theThe dried and crushed leaves provide infusions with properties:
- Anti-allergy
- Antiasthmatics
- Antioxidants
- Antiseptics
- Bronchodilators
- Diuretics
It can also be extracted oil from its seeds For cosmetic and food use. To use, dry the leaves and crush them before preparing the infusion.
Camellia symbolism
Camellias have important meanings depending on the color of the flower:
- White: Innocent love.
- Red: Passion, desire and unconditional love.
- Rose: Seduction and desire for closeness with the loved one.
Varieties and selection of camellias
Today there are thousands of cultivars of Camellia japonica and many other species and crosses. Some of the best known and appreciated are:
- Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Gem': Pure white flower, elegant and highly appreciated.
- Camellia japonica 'Debutante': Large semi-double pink flowers.
- Camellia reticulata: Noted for its large flowers and unique shapes.
- Camellia sasanqua: Of autumnal flowers, simple and fragrant.
- Camellia sinensis: Used for tea production.
Common problems and frequent solutions
We summarize some typical problems and their quick solutions:
- Yellow sheets: Iron/manganese deficiency, high soil pH, or overwatering.
- Flowers that fall without opening: Low humidity, scarce watering, dry environment or fungal attack.
- Few flowers: Untimely pruning, insufficient fertilization, lack of light, or damage from late frosts.
- Symptoms after transplant: Camellias are sensitive, so avoid manipulating the roots. Don't over-transplant.
The camellia, due to its robust and long-lived nature, is a garden gem that, with proper care, rewards its owner with exquisite blooms for years. Whether planted in a garden or pot, alone or forming hedges, its presence is synonymous with elegance, history, and a connection to ancient cultures. Adaptable, resilient, and versatile, the camellia is ideal for both amateurs and experts, allowing one to enjoy nature's cycles in an active and rewarding way.
