How to Grow April Dawn Camellia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

April dawn camellia is a plant that is native to East Asia and is a member of the tea family. The plant is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the springtime. The flowers are typically white or pink in color, and they have a very fragrant smell. The plant is also known for its glossy, dark green leaves.

How to Grow April Dawn Camellia - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • April Dawn Camellia
  • April's Camellia
  • April Morning Glory
  • April's Pride
  • April Dawn

Common Knowledge

  • The April Dawn camellia is a deciduous shrub that is native to Korea.
  • It grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet and has a spread of 4 to 6 feet.
  • The April Dawn camellia has dark green leaves that are 3 to 5 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide.
  • The flowers of the April Dawn camellia are white with a yellow center and are about 2 inches in diameter.
  • The April Dawn camellia blooms from March to May.
  • The April Dawn camellia is best grown in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
  • The April Dawn camellia is resistant to deer and rabbits.
  • It is susceptible to powdery mildew.
  • The April Dawn camellia is an excellent choice for use as a specimen plant or in mass plantings.

Related plant:
April Tryst Camellia

Growing Steps

  1. For april dawn camellia, first step is to find a location where the plant will receive partial sunlight. The plant will do best in an area where it will receive 4-6 hours of sun each day.
  2. Next, prepare the planting area by clearing away any weeds or other vegetation. The planting area should also be well-drained.
  3. Once the planting area is prepared, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Next, backfill the hole with soil, being sure to lightly compact the soil as you go.
  5. Once the hole is filled, water the area well.
  6. April dawn camellia can be planted at any time of year, but spring is the best time to plant them.
  7. To plant the shrub, simply remove it from the container it is growing in and carefully place it in the hole.
  8. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill the hole with soil and water well.
  9. After planting, apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  10. April dawn camellia will need to be watered regularly, especially during the first growing season. Water the plant deeply, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, April Dawn camellia prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and does not tolerate wet feet. It is best to plant April Dawn camellias in areas that have some protection from the afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Light requirement

Like the other camellias, the April Dawn camellia needs full sun to partial shade in order to grow and flower properly. If it doesn't get enough sun, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become leggy. It's important to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature in April is cool and comfortable. The average high is 71 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperature ever recorded in April is 94 degrees Fahrenheit and the coldest temperature ever recorded is 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less, as too much humidity will lead to fungal problems. The plant grows best in direct sunlight but can tolerate some shade. Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry to the touch.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is feeders. They prefer a weak solution of an all-purpose fertilizer applied every two weeks while they are actively growing. A camellia's root system is surface-feeding, so a light mulching of an organic material is beneficial. An inch or two of pine straw, chopped leaves, shredded bark or similar material spread over the root zone will help keep the roots cool and moist.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your April Dawn camellia. pruning helps to maintain the shape of the plant and promote new growth. It is best to prune in the early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, simply remove any dead or damaged branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is usually done by taking cuttings from the plant, although it can also be done by seed. Cuttings should be taken from new growth, and the cutting should have at least two leaves. The cutting should be placed in a pot with moist soil, and the pot should be placed in a warm, sunny location. The cutting should root within a few weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's environment and how well the plant is cared for. However, there are a few factors that can influence the growth rate of an april dawn camellia. These include the plant's genetics, the amount of sunlight it receives, the type of soil it is planted in, and the amount of water it receives.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include over-watering, pests, and diseases. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Pests such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs can infest the plant and damage the leaves. Diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can also affect the plant.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Camellias need moist, well-drained soil to thrive.
  • fertilize your plant every six weeks during the growing season using a camellia fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant after it blooms to keep it looking tidy and to encourage new growth.
  • Place your plant in an area with partial sun to full shade.
  • Consider growing your camellia in a pot so you can bring it indoors during the winter months.
  • Protect your plant from pests such as aphids and scale insects.
  • Keep an eye out for diseases such as camellia petal blight and camellia twig blight.
  • Harvest camellia blossoms for use in arrangements or for drying.
  • Use camellia oil in your beauty routine.
  • Enjoy the beauty of camellias all year round by growing them in your garden

Similar Plants

  • Apteria aphylla (Small birchleaf greenbark)
  • Apteria papyracea (Large birchleaf greenbark)
  • Aspidospermum calophyllium (Large birchleaf aspidospermum)
  • Coelodrymonia longipes (Small birchleaf wild banana)
  • Diospyros piscatoria (large birchleaf persimmon)
  • Discocarpus macrocarpa (Small birchleaf discocarpus)
  • Elaeocarpus lanceolatus (Small birchleaf elaeocarpus)
  • Ensete longifolium (Large birchleaf ensete)
  • Hydriastele calophylla (Small birchleaf hydriastele)
  • Micromeliun parviflorum (

Source:
Susie Harwood Garden | Camellia japonica ‘April Dawn’ #1
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results
Camellia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category