Growing camellia: useful tips for the plant that blooms from December to March!

Among the trees always be worth planting in the garden are camellias: they are often little more than shrubs, therefore they do not manage to take up too much space. They are very easy to grow, as they can also be placed in dimly lit areas, and are ready to fill a winter landscape with color when all the other plants are in their dormant phase and there are very few flowers around.

In fact, the flowers of these plants are the real reason for their charm: there are many different varieties, with colors ranging from creamy white to purple and crimson, and even with pointed and mottled petals. Almost all, however, have in common the fact that their flowers are of the double type - therefore, they are full of petals and are absolutely beautiful to be viewed in full bloom.

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• Exposure: camellias grow in bright areas but not those exposed to direct sunlight. They should not be in the complete shade of other trees or buildings, but if the space around them is open enough on at least a couple of sides, they can also be grown facing the north.
• Temperature: in areas with temperate climates they can easily be grown in the open ground. Where winter is very harsh - with lows that frequently drop below zero degrees - it is preferable to grow them in large pots and protect them from the coldest periods. If they are kept indoors in winter, however, pay attention to the temperature: when it gets too high, the plants lose their buds before allowing them open. This is because they are very resistant plants that prefer cold (although not intense cold).
• Soil: they love a moist and rich soil, but absolutely do not let their water stagnate. They also love an acidic soil, so they can also grow near pines and conifers, whose needles will offer an excellent mulch around the base of the camellias.
• Irrigation: young plants and those grown in pots should be given a weekly watering in the mild seasons, even twice a week in summer and less frequently in winter. The adult plants that grow in the open ground, however, do not need any care in this regard.

Have you already grown camellia plants in your home or in your garden?