Camellias bring some welcome color and structure to the garden during the winter months. These evergreen shrubs are also reasonably hardy in many areas. In this article, we’ll discover which zones camellia flowers can grow in.
What Conditions Do Camellias Experience in Their Natural Habitat?
Camellia plants are evergreen shrubs and small trees native to parts of eastern and southeastern Asia. Camellias traditionally grow in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. Typically, these flowers grow in tropical or subtropical woodlands and forests across their native range.
Camellias prefer warm conditions but can tolerate cooler temperatures. However, they can struggle in extreme cold as cold winds damage the flower buds. Camellias have been cultivated in Chinese and Japanese gardens for several centuries.
What Zones Can Camellia Flowers Grow in?
Camellia flowers grow best in USDA Zones 7 to 10, although some cultivars can tolerate cooler temperatures in Zone 6. Camellias prefer warm temperatures between 50 and 90ºF (10 to 32ºC). Zones 7 through 10 cover most of the eastern, southern, and western United States.
Most camellia species can survive in temperatures as low as 10ºF (-12ºC). Some of the more cold-hardy species can tolerate temperatures as low as 5ºF (-15ºC). In colder Zones, grow camellias in pots and bring them inside during the cold winter months.
How to Grow Camellia Flowers
Camellia flowers have a reputation as being challenging to take care of. However, if you keep a few basic requirements in mind, camellias are easy to grow. These low-maintenance evergreen shrubs can live for decades or even centuries with the proper care.
Soil Conditions
Camellias require fertile, acidic soils with a pH range between 5.0 and 6.5. Camellia shrubs also need consistently moist soils that are still well-draining. Add some ericaceous compost if your existing soil isn’t suitable for camellias. This compost is also perfect for growing camellias in pots.
Sunlight
The majority of camellias grow best in partial shade but tolerate full shade. Camellia sasanqua cultivars can grow in full sun. Camellias prefer to receive morning sun rather than intense afternoon sunlight. Plant camellias in sheltered areas to protect them from cold winds and frost.
Watering
Water established camellia shrubs whenever the top 4 inches of soil feel dry. Although camellias like moist soils, they hate being waterlogged. Newly planted camellias need regular watering for the first 18 months until they become established. Water your camellia more frequently during hot summers.
Fertilizer
Camellias grow slowly, which means it takes them a while to use up the nutrients in the soil. Fertilize camellias once after they finish flowering to fuel the development of next year’s flower buds. Use ericaceous fertilizers that are diluted according to the packet instructions.
Pruning
Due to their slow growth rate, camellias shouldn’t require pruning unless you want to shape them. Prune camellias once immediately after the shrub finishes flowering. Avoid pruning camellias after mid-summer because you’ll cut off the developing flower buds.
Growing Camellias in Colder Growing Zones
If your garden doesn’t fall into Zones 7 to 10, it doesn’t mean that you can’t grow camellia shrubs. In colder Zones, you can grow camellias in pots. This makes it easy to protect your camellias during the winter months.
Bring your potted camellias indoors or wrap them in fleece to protect them from cold temperatures. If you have a greenhouse, it’ll be the ideal location for your camellias over the winter. However, you’ll have to increase the humidity in your greenhouse because camellias hate dry conditions.
Choose pot materials that won’t crack in cold weather. Ceramic or metal pots are ideal. Plastic, terracotta, and wooden pots are easily damaged in cold, frosty conditions.
Camellia Growing Zones FAQs:
What Zones Do Camellias Grow Best in?
Camellia plants grow best in USDA Zones 7 to 10, although some varieties can tolerate conditions in Zone 6.
Are Camellias Frost Hardy?
Some camellia varieties are frost hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 5ºF. Planting camellias in a sheltered location helps protect them during the winter.
Do Camellias Grow Well in Pots?
Camellias grow very well in pots, especially in areas colder than Zone 7. If necessary, you can easily bring potted camellias indoors during the winter months.
Camellia Hardiness Zones: Wrapping Up
Camellia shrubs thrive in Zones 7 to 10, although some cultivars can handle cooler temperatures in Zone 6. In colder areas, grow camellia plants in containers. This allows you to move them indoors or cover them with fleece during the winter.
For more, see our in-depth guide on the meaning and symbolism of camellias and discover our favorite types of red, white, and pink camellia flowers.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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