When to plant Camellia?

Camellias thrive in partial shade, ideally in a spot sheltered from early morning sun, which can damage frosted buds in late winter. Avoid exposed, windy sites. They require acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5; heavy clay or alkaline conditions will cause yellowing leaves and poor growth. If your garden soil is neutral or chalky, plant in a large container filled with ericaceous compost instead. Prepare the planting hole to twice the width of the root ball but no deeper—camellias resent being planted too low. Mix plenty of well-rotted leaf mould, composted bark, or peat-free ericaceous compost into the excavated soil to improve structure and acidity. Loamy soils with good drainage suit them well, but waterlogged ground will kill the roots. Plant in March, April, September, or October when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Spring planting gives the roots a full growing season to establish before winter; autumn planting works well in milder zones (8–9) but risks frost damage to young plants in colder gardens. Space plants 200 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 150–300 cm. Set the root ball so the top sits level with or very slightly above the surrounding soil—never bury the stem base. Backfill carefully, firming gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting, then apply a 5–8 cm mulch of composted bark or pine needles around the base, keeping it clear of the stem. This conserves moisture and maintains acidity. Water regularly through the first summer to help roots establish.