How to Grow Camellia Black Lace - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Camellia black lace is a flowering plant. It has dark green, glossy leaves and large, deep red flowers. The flowers have a beautiful black lace pattern on them. The camellia black lace plant is native to China and Japan. It is a popular plant in gardens and is grown for its ornamental value.

How to Grow Camellia Black Lace - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Camellia Black Tea
Camellia Lucknow Tea
Camellia Darjeeling Tea
Camellia Ceylon Tea
Camellia Assam Tea

Basic info

The camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae.
They are native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia.
There are 100-300 species, with some disputes over the exact number.
They are evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 20 m tall, with simple, ovate to lanceolate leaves 6-15 cm long and 2-5 cm broad.
The flowers are large and conspicuous, with five to nine petals, usually white or pale pink.
The fruit is a dry capsule 25-50 mm long, containing numerous seeds.
Camellias are widely grown as ornamental plants in Asia, especially in China and Japan.
The hybrid T. x williamsii is one of the most popular camellias in temperate climates.
The tea plant Camellia sinensis is of major commercial importance, as tea is made from its leaves.
Camellias are also grown as Bonsai.

How to Grow

For camellia black lace, first step is to fill a seed tray or pot with a quality seed compost, and firm gently.
Next, make a small indentation in the compost with your finger, and drop in a seed.
Cover over the seed with a thin layer of compost, and water gently.
Place the seed tray or pot in a propagator or seal inside a clear plastic bag, and maintain at a temperature of 18-21C (64-70F).
Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and in around four to six weeks, the seedlings should appear.
Once they have grown large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings, leaving the strongest one in each cell or pot.
Grow on the plants in individual pots filled with ericaceous (acid-loving) compost, and keep at a minimum temperature of 15C (59F).
Camellia black lace plants can be transplanted into their final positions in late spring or early summer, once they are around 20cm (8in) tall.
Choose a sheltered, shady spot with moist but well-drained soil, and dig a hole large enough to accommodate the rootball.
Water the planting hole well, and backfill with soil. Water again after planting, and mulch around the base of the plant with an organic material, such as bark chips.

Related plant:
Professor Sargent Camellia

Soil Condition

About soil condition, camellia black lace requires well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil. This plant does best in partial to full shade, and it is somewhat shade tolerant. camellia black lace will not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils.

About light

So, like the other camellias, the Camellia Black Lace needs direct sunlight to ensure proper growth. However, it is more tolerant to shady areas than other camellia varieties. It is important to note that too much sun will scorch the leaves, so be sure to provide some afternoon shade if possible.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for camellia black lace is quite warm. They need at least four hours of direct sunlight every day and the temperature should be above freezing. If the temperature drops below freezing, they will not be able to survive.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant prefers a high acidity fertilizer in the soil. This can be done with camellia fertilizer or by using an organic matter. The organic matter will help to maintain the acidity in the soil and will also provide nutrients for the plant. The camellia black lace prefers a soil that is moist and well-drained. If the soil is too dry, the plant will not thrive. If the soil is too wet, the plant may experience root rot.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your camellia bush healthy and looking its best. You'll need to prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also trim back any branches that are growing out of shape.

About Propagating

Propagation is by seed, cutting, or grafting. Seeds germinate in 21-28 days at 68-86°F (20-30°C), and seedlings are transplanted when 6-8 inches tall. Take softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is quite fast, meaning the plant will reach its full potential size in a couple of years. However, some varieties may take a little longer to mature. When purchasing a camellia black lace, make sure to ask the nursery how long it will take for the plant to reach its full size.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are camellia bud drop, and camellia petal blight. For camellia bud drop, the problem is usually caused by too much fertilizer, over-watering, or insect damage. For camellia petal blight, the problem is usually caused by too much humidity, or not enough ventilation.

Basics of Growing

Do not forget to water your plant regularly. The plant needs a lot of water, so make sure to water it at least once a week.
Place your plant in a location where it will get plenty of sunlight. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Fertilize your plant every month using a camellia fertilizer.
Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
Protect your plant from pests and diseases by using a camellia pesticide.
Keep the soil around your plant moist but not soggy.
Place a layer of mulch around your plant to help retain moisture.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your plant with a camellia winterizer.
Bloom time for camellias is typically from late winter to early spring.
Enjoy the beautiful blooms of