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Fertilizing Camelia Japonica

14 years ago

Zone 8b, Fraser Valley, BC

Can someone please tell me when I should fertilize my camelia and what kind of fertilizer should I use? My camelia is called "Lily Pons"

I have it planted on the west side of my house where it receives morning shade and afternoon sun. Is this location okay or should I move it where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade? Thanks

Comments (5)

  • 14 years ago

    I am not sure how strong the summer sun is in Fraser Valley during the summer months but over here in Texas, they would dry up big time so my choice would be to give them morning sun and afternoon shade.

    Regarding what fertilizers to use, you can use organic compost, composted manure, cottonseed meal or a general-purpose slow-release chemical fertilizer three times a yearduring the growing season. I would do the first fertilzing application about 1-2 weeks after your average date of last frost in Spring.

    Below is a link about fertilizing from the American Camellia Society.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Fertilizing Camellias, by the ACS

  • 14 years ago

    Thanks again for your help luis. Okay, I'm now thinking of moving it to where it will get morning sun and afternoon shade. Thanks also for your suggestions in fertilizing my camelia. When (would you say) is the best time to move it. I just planted it in its currant location just this past fall.

  • 14 years ago

    Go ahead and move it now. Winter is when it is most dormant. If you planted a few months ago, it has not settled well yet so it should not be a big issue. Camellias are tough and can handle being transplanted again if the first site is not adequate. Just dig wider than the pot in which it came so you will not disturb the roots much. Maybe water before digging to the soil will kind of stick together more; that will make it easier to keep it clump together and not break apart when you move it.

  • 14 years ago

    Awesome. Thanks again Luis!!

  • 14 years ago

    If your camellia is recently planted, meaning that it's been in the ground less than a year, you should _not_ fertilize it until its roots have adapted themselves to their environment. You need to keep the plant well-watered, but not over-watered, as it establishes itself; but resist the urge to fertilize it until it has been in the ground at least a year. Pre-mature fertilization carries the risk of literally burning the plant up with excessive nutrients that the newly planted camellia cannot handle. If the plant is growing in good, organically rich soil, it will not require fertilization. It will grow well on its own. I would practice benign neglect until the plant has passed the "three-year test." In other words, if a plant survives its first three years, it is probably "good to go."

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