How to Grow Camellia Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Camellia bush is a shrub that is native to southern and eastern asia. it is an evergreen plant that has glossy, green leaves and large, white flowers. the camellia bush is a popular ornamental plant, and it is often used in bonsai.

How to Grow Camellia Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • camellia bush
  • tea plant
  • tea tree
  • tea shrub
  • camellia tree

Basic info

  • Camellia bushes are native to East Asia and are part of the tea plant family.
  • They are evergreen shrubs or small trees that can grow to 20 feet tall.
  • Camellia bushes have glossy dark green leaves and large, bright flowers that bloom in the late winter or early spring.
  • There are over 300 different species of camellia, and many of them are grown as ornamentals.
  • Some camellia species are used to produce tea, including the well-known varieties Camellia sinensis and Camellia japonica.
  • The flowers of camellia bushes are often used in decorative arrangements, and the leaves can be used for making herbal teas.
  • Camellia oil is pressed from the seeds of some species and is used in cooking and cosmetics.
  • Camellias are generally easy to care for, but they prefer acidic soils and need to be watered regularly.
  • These plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to choose varieties that are resistant to these problems.
  • Camellias are popular plants in temperate climates, and they are often used in public parks and gardens.

Related plant:
Camellia Black Lace

Growing Steps

  1. For camellia bush, first step is to find a suitable location. The location should be sunny and the soil should be well-drained.
  2. The second step is to dig a hole in the selected location. The hole should be twice the size of the camellia bush’s root ball.
  3. After digging the hole, mix some compost or well-rotted manure in the soil.
  4. Now, place the camellia bush’s root ball in the hole and backfill it with the soil mixture.
  5. Once you have backfilled the hole, water the plant generously.
  6. The next step is to mulch the camellia bush. Mulching will help in retaining moisture and keeping the roots cool.
  7. Camellia bush requires regular watering, especially during the summer months.
  8. To encourage blooming, you can prune the plant after it has flowered.
  9. The final step is to fertilize the camellia bush. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or compost tea.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best type of soil for camellias is a well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, camellias will not thrive. You can lower the pH of your soil by adding organic matter, such as peat moss or compost.

Light condition

Just like other camellias, the bush requires little to moderate sun. too much sun will scorch its leaves, too little sun will make the leaves yellow. The ideal spot for a camellia bush is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a camellia bush is one that is cool and humid. The ideal temperature range for a camellia bush is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the bush will start to turn yellow and fall off. If the temperature gets too cold, the bush will become dormant and the leaves will turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70%. The plant needs to be misted regularly in order to maintain the right level of moisture in the air. If the air is too dry, the leaves of the plant will begin to droop and the buds will fall off. If the air is too wet, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will be susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not require a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. It is best to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer when camellias are first transplanted and then every few months thereafter. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so camellias need to be watered regularly. However, the roots are also quite sensitive so care must be taken not to overwater the plant.

About light

Pruning your camellia bush is important to encourage new growth and maintain a healthy plant. You can prune your bush in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches, then trimming back the remaining branches to the desired shape. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation of camellia bushes is generally done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth that is about 6 to 8 inches long. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and in 6 to 8 weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant to its permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3-6 inches per year. However, some species can grow up to 12 inches per year. The size of the camellia bush will also affect the growth rate. Larger bushes tend to grow slower than smaller bushes.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf gall, root-knot nematodes, and bacterial blight. To prevent these problems, it is important to plant camellias in well-drained soil and provide adequate water and fertilizer.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your camellia bush regularly, as the plant cannot tolerate drought conditions.
  • Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil.
  • Although camellias are tolerant of shade, they will produce the best flowers when grown in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
  • Fertilize your camellia bush every four to six weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
  • To encourage more abundant flowering, prune the plant after it finishes blooming.
  • Be on the lookout for common pests and diseases that can affect camellia plants, such as aphids, scale, and root rot.
  • Keep an eye on the soil moisture level and make sure the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil.
  • Avoid using herbicides or pesticides near your camellia bush, as these can damage the

Similar Plants

  • Camellia Bud
  • Camellia Buds
  • Camellia Japonica
  • Camellia Leaf
  • Camellia Oil
  • Camellia Oleifera
  • Camellia Plants
  • Camellia Seeds
  • Camellia Sinensis
  • Camellia Tea

Source:
Camellia japonica | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
How to Grow Camellias | North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Camellias for Texas Gardens - Texas A&M University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category