In its original environment, the Camellia is a plant that grows along the edge of a forest; that is where the circumstances are ideal.
This plant grows best in airy, slightly acid soil, enriched with humus. You could use acid potting soil for this. Another option is to mix the potting soil with humus until it reaches an airy composition that is properly pervious. A layer of chipped tree bark around the plant will protect it against dehydration. As a potted plant, the Camellia requires the same type of soil. It is, however, recommended that the plants be re-potted in new soil each year.
The Camellia prefers to not be in the full sun the entire day. The plant also dislikes a cold and strong wind. For this reason, it would be good to plant or place the plant in a protected spot. The Camellia is, in principle, a slow-growing plant. However, the final size of the plant could be several metres high and wide. Take this into account when designing your garden and in respect of the surrounding plants.
There are many varieties of Camellias. Not all varieties are hardy, but those that can be found in garden centres often are. As the Camellia rarely loses all its flowers during frost, there is no need to protect the plants in the open. Potted Camellias can spend the winter in a cool shed or greenhouse with sufficient light, in a temperature of 0-5 ºC, before being placed outside to flower!
