How to Grow Camellia Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Camellia hedge is an attractive and easy-to-grow hedge plant that is perfect for any home garden. It is a versatile plant that can be used as a border plant, specimen plant, or even a groundcover. Camellias are evergreen shrubs that produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors. The camellia hedge is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively pest and disease-free.

How to Grow Camellia Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Bitterleaf
Bush ivy
Carrotwood
Catalina ironwood
Cherry laurel

Basic info

Camellia hedges are slow-growing, evergreen shrubs that make an excellent choice for a low-maintenance hedge.
They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and do not require regular pruning.
Camellia hedges can reach up to 3 metres in height, although smaller varieties are available.
The flowers of camellia hedges are usually white or pink and appear in spring or early summer.
These shrubs are relatively disease and pest-resistant.
Camellias are native to Asia and are members of the tea family.
The name camellia is derived from the Latin word for cinnamon, which is also used to flavor some teas.
In Asia, camellias have been cultivated for centuries and were introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
Camellias are sometimes called the winter rose due to their ability to bloom in colder weather.
These shrubs make an excellent addition to any garden and can provide year-round interest.

Related plant:
Camellia Black Lace

Planting Process

For camellia hedge, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
Next, you will need to dig a trench that is about 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
Next, you will need to fill the trench with a mix of half sand and half compost.
Once the trench is filled, you will need to water it well and then let it drain.
After the trench has drained, you will need to plant your camellia hedge plants 18 inches apart in the trench.
Next, you will need to backfill the trench with the leftover mix of sand and compost.
Once the trench is backfilled, you will need to water it well and then let it drain.
After the trench has drained, you will need to mulch around the camellia hedge plants with 2 to 3 inches of organic matter such as straw, leaves, or bark chips.
You will need to water your camellia hedge plants once a week during the first growing season.
Finally, you will need to prune your camellia hedge plants in late winter or early spring to shape them and encourage new growth.

Related plant:
White Camellia Flower

The Soil

About soil condition, a camellia hedge need acidic soil to grow best. Optimal soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. If you have neutral or alkaline soil, camellias won't grow as well. They may even stop producing flowers.

Light requirement

Not too different with other camellias, the camellia hedge requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It is important to make sure that the camellia hedge receives at least six hours of sun each day in order to maintain its health and encourage blooming. However, too much sun can cause the leaves of the camellia hedge to turn yellow.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for Camellia hedges is one that is cool and humid. This is because Camellias are native to Asia and prefer these types of conditions. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the Camellia hedge will start to turn yellow and fall off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40%-50%. If the humidity drops below this, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this family of plant need an acidic fertilizer with a high nitrogen level. The best time to fertilize is in the early spring, before new growth begins. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a organic compost. When it comes to watering, camellias need moist, well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, but during dry spells, they appreciate a good soaking. Be sure to water at the base of the plant and not on the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a vital part of maintaining a healthy camellia hedge. Without proper pruning, the hedge can become overgrown and unruly. The best time to prune a camellia hedge is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

About Propagating

Propagation is most successful when done in early spring, as this is when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth, as this will be the most likely to root successfully. The cuttings should be around 10cm in length, and the bottom leaves should be removed. These cuttings can then be placed in a propagator or a pot with moistened compost, and kept at a temperature of around 20 degrees. After a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into their own pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on japonica cultivars, which grow relatively slowly. The average growth rate for japonica cultivars is 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2.0 inches) per year, with some cultivars growing as much as 10 centimeters (4.0 inches) per year. Slow-growing cultivars are often used as foundation plantings or in mixed shrub borders.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are yellow leaves and brown spots. The leaves may turn yellow due to a lack of nutrients, or the plant may be under stress from too much heat or too little water. Brown spots on the leaves can be caused by a number of fungal diseases, or by damage from insects.

Basics of Growing

Make sure to plant your camellia hedge in an area that gets full sun.
Camellias prefer acidic soil, so make sure to mix in some organic matter or sulfur before planting.
Space your plants about 3 feet apart to allow room for growth.
When pruning, always cut just above a set of leaves to encourage new growth.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for camellias in early spring.
Water your hedge regularly, especially during dry spells.
To keep your camellia hedge looking its best, remove any spent flowers or yellowing leaves.
As camellias are susceptible to scale insects, keep an eye out for these pests and treat them accordingly.
Camellia hedges can be susceptible to wind damage, so make sure to stake them if needed.
Finally, enjoy your beautiful camellia hedge!