Camellia is one of the most beautiful ornamental shrubs and is often compared with the queen of flowers.The crowd of admirers won over with the astonishing variety of colors and forms of flowers.The camellia bush is also decorated with shiny, evergreen, stiff leaves. Camellia rarely appears in our gardens, as it has a reputation for being less resistant to freezing.
Selected varieties of camellia, planted in the right place, do well in regions with mild winters, that is in western Poland and on the coast.Even cold-resistant molds may feel the effects of severe frosts, but the loss of individual buds or shoots does not harm them too much.As soon as the air temperature rises, they easily resume interrupted vegetation. Flowers damaged by snow are also quickly replaced by new ones.
All the varieties of camellia presented here are distinguished by high frost resistance. This means that they tolerate - if grown under optimal conditions - drops in temperature down to about -15 ° C. With age, camellias become stronger and more resistant to the vagaries of the weather. For planting in the garden, specimens that are at least four years old are suitable.Therefore, when buying (preferably in a reputable plant nursery or specialized gardening), ask about the age of the plant.
Camellias like the substrate that is constantly slightly moist, but they do not tolerate long-lasting excessive moisture.Therefore, they grow best in humus and loose soil, which stores moisture, but the seeping rainwater quickly drains to the deeper layers of the soilWhen planting shrubs, it is worth adding the same amount of compost and peat to the native soil.Loosen the clay soil with the addition of sand.
Cover the bottom of the dug hole with a layer of gravel so that the water can penetrate into the ground more easily.The optimal planting period is from May to early July. Feed your camellias carefully and only in early summer.It's best to use camellia or rhododendron fertilizer (at most half of the recommended dose).
Ways to propagate the most popular houseplants, including camellia
Camellias are evergreen plants. In winter, they are in danger during periods when the sun is not obscured by clouds and the ground is frozen.Leaves evaporate moisture, but roots cannot absorb water.Therefore, drying out is more likely than freezing.
It is recommended to lay a layer of bark 25 centimeters thick around the shrubs, which warms the ground and retains moisture. If camellias do not grow in a shaded place, they should be covered with reed mats or tunics from the rays of the winter sun.
