How to Grow April Tryst Camellia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

April tryst camellia is a beautiful plant that blooms in the spring. It is native to Japan and China and has been cultivated for centuries. The flowers are white with a pink tinge and have a sweet fragrance. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow April Tryst Camellia - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Gardeners' delight
  • April shower
  • Flowering dogwood
  • Japanese apricot
  • Sweet william

Good to Know

  • Camellias are a type of flowering plant in the family Theaceae.
  • There are over 250 species of camellia.
  • They are native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia.
  • Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees.
  • They have simple, glossy, elliptical leaves and large, showy flowers.
  • The flowers are usually white or pink, but can also be red, yellow, or orange.
  • Camellias are often used as ornamental plants in gardens.
  • The tea plant Camellia sinensis is used to produce tea.
  • The camellia oil plant Camellia oleifera is used to produce camellia oil, which is used in cooking and cosmetics.
  • Camellias are also used in traditional medicine.

How to Grow

  1. For april tryst camellia, first step is to find a well-drained location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
  2. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in a 2-inch layer of compost.
  3. Space the plants 4 to 6 feet apart.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the camellia's root ball but not deeper.
  5. Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  6. Fill in around the plant with soil, tamping it gently as you go.
  7. Water the plant deeply.
  8. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it several inches away from the camellia's stem.
  9. Water the plant deeply once a week during the first growing season.
  10. Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in mid-summer with a camellia fertilizer.

Related plant:
April Remembered Camellia

The Soil

About soil condition, the best type of soil for April Tryst Camellia is slightly acidic, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. Mulching with an organic material, such as pine straw, will help keep the roots cool and moist. This plant does not like wet feet, so make sure the soil is not too soggy.

Light requirement

Like the other camellias, the April Tryst camellia needs full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It's a good idea to plant it in an area where it will receive at least 4 hours of sunlight each day. Morning sun is best, as it will help the flowers to open up fully.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature was perfect for an April Tryst Camellia. It was warm and sunny, with a slight breeze blowing. The flowers were in full bloom and the bees were busy collecting pollen. The camellias were a beautiful sight, their petals a delicate pink against the green of the leaves. It was a perfect day for a walk in the garden.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves of the camellia will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this family of plant food is known as 14-14-14. This is a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and is applied to the soil around the base of the plant. The amount used depends on the size of the plant. For a gallon-size container, use one tablespoon of fertilizer per month. For a 6-inch pot, use one teaspoon of fertilizer per month.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your camellia plant healthy and looking its best. You should prune your camellia plant in early spring, before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are growing in an undesirable direction. You can also prune your camellia plant to shape it or to control its size.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources including seeds, cuttings, and division. The most common method of propagation for camellias is by cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in the spring or summer. To take a cutting, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove a 6-8 inch section of stem. The cutting should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cut off the bottom set of leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the cutting in a bright, indirect location and mist the leaves daily. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the warmer months, with plants typically growing best when temperatures are between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil should be kept moist, but not wet, during this time. Fertilize every two to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Pinch back new growth to encourage bushier growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with regular applications of horticultural oil or neem oil. The camellia can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and stem canker. These diseases can be controlled with fungicide sprays.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your April Tryst camellia regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Fertilize your camellia every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant lightly after flowering to encourage new growth.
  • Place your April Tryst camellia in an area with partial to full sun exposure.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Make sure the soil around your plant is well-drained to avoid root rot.
  • Use a slow-release fertilizer when planting your April Tryst camellia to reduce the risk of burn.
  • Avoid overwatering, which can lead to problems with the roots and stem.
  • If you live

Similar Plants

  • Allamanda cathartica (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Allamanda neriifolia (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Arnica (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Barbados cherry (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Beach morning glory (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Bitterleaf (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Butter and eggs (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Calycanthus floridus (golden dewflower or april tryst camellia)
  • Calla lily (golden dewflower or april

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Camellia japonica 'April Tryst'
Camellia / Floriculture and Ornamental Nurseries ... - ucanr.edu
The Camellia Dinner | Saint Ignatius High School

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category