How to Grow Pink Camellia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Pink camellia is a species of flowering plant in the family Theaceae. It is native to China and Japan, but it is also cultivated in other parts of the world. The plant grows to a height of 10–15 m and has dark green, shiny leaves. The flowers are white or pink and have a diameter of 5–8 cm.

How to Grow Pink Camellia - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Alternate name: Dixon's camellia
  • People also called: winter rose, Christmas rose, and japonica
  • Other names: Camellia japonica, Japanese camellia, and rose of winter
  • Synonyms: Camellia sasanqua
  • Cultivars: 'Alba Plena', 'Buccaneer', 'Capt. John', 'Mrs. Dudley Cross', 'Winter's Charm'

Good to Know

  • Camellias are native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas to Japan.
  • The Pink Camellia is a hybrid cultivar of camellia, developed in 188
  • It is a cross between Camellia japonica and Camellia saluenensis.
  • The Pink Camellia is prized for its beautiful, large, pink flowers.
  • The flowers have a diameter of 5-8 cm and bloom in late winter or early spring.
  • The flower petals are fragile and easily damaged by wind or rain.
  • The Pink Camellia is an evergreen shrub and can grow to a height of 3-5 m.
  • It prefers a shady, sheltered position and well-drained, acidic soil.
  • Pink Camellias are relatively slow-growing and can live for many decades.
  • They are popular ornamental plants and are often used in gardens, parks, and temples.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Pink Delight

Planting Process

  1. For pink camellia, first step is to find a location that gets partial sun and has well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the camellia’s root ball.
  3. Place the camellia in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down around the plant.
  4. Water the camellia deeply immediately after planting.
  5. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the plant, but keep it several inches away from the camellia’s stems.
  6. Water the camellia regularly during its first growing season, making sure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy.
  7. Fertilize the camellia once a month using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  8. After the camellia blooms, prune away any dead or damaged branches.
  9. Continue to water and fertilize the camellia regularly throughout the growing season.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your pink camellia!

Related plant:
Pink Azalea

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best type of soil for planting a pink camellia is acidic soil that is well-draining. The camellia prefers a location that gets partial sun to full shade, and soil that is moist but not soggy. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can amend it with peat moss or compost before planting.

About light

Similar to other camellias, the pink camellia requires full sun to partial shade to grow best. It will tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but in hot summer climates it will need some afternoon shade. Pink camellias also need well-drained, acidic soil to thrive. If you have neutral or alkaline soil, you can still grow a pink camellia by amending it with acidic organic matter such as composted pine needles or oak leaves.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for pink camellias is one that is cool but not cold. This means that the ideal temperature for these flowers is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the flowers will not bloom. If the temperature gets too hot, the flowers will wilt.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off. If the humidity climbs above 60%, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant need slow-release fertilizer to keep Camellia sasanqua plants healthy and blooming. The best time to fertilize camellias is in the spring before new growth begins. You can also apply a second fertilizer application in early summer. When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on the label. When it comes to watering, camellias need consistent moisture, especially during the blooming season. Be sure to water your camellia deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to soak down to the root zone.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your camellia plant healthy and looking its best. You'll need to prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You should also prune away any branches that are growing inwards towards the center of the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. The pink camellia is a popular plant to propagate because it is easy to grow and maintain. To propagate a pink camellia, take a cutting from an existing plant and plant it in moist soil. The cutting will root in a few weeks and can then be transplanted into a new pot or location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in Asia, so it is difficult to say definitively how fast these plants grow in other parts of the world. However, it is generally agreed that pink camellias have a moderate growth rate, and that they can reach a height of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). Pink camellias typically bloom in late winter or early spring, and their flowers can last for up to six weeks.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include fungal diseases such as leaf spot, twig dieback, and root rot. Insect pests such as aphids, scale, and mites can also cause damage to this plant. Proper identification of the problem is essential for effective treatment.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your camellia in a location that gets partial to full sun throughout the day.
  • Be sure to amend your soil with organic matter prior to planting to help improve drainage and soil fertility.
  • Water your camellia regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your camellia every few months with a balanced fertilizer to help promote growth.
  • Prune your camellia as needed to maintain its shape and size.
  • Be on the lookout for pests or diseases that could affect your camellia and take action as needed.
  • Mulch around your camellia to help maintain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Keep an eye on the weather and protect your camellia from extreme cold or heat if necessary.
  • Harvest camellia flowers as they bloom and enjoy their delicate beauty indoors.

Related Plants

  • Camellia crassipetala
  • Camellia dubia
  • Camellia edithae
  • Camellia flowers
  • Camellia fraterna
  • Camellia hongkongensis
  • Camellia japonica
  • Camellia nitidissima
  • Camellia oleifera
  • Camellia tea

Source:
Camellia | UMD Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Camellias | Mississippi State University Extension Service
UNF - UNF Landscape - Camellia sasanqua - Fall-blooming camellia

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