How to Care for Camellias in Middle Tennessee
Updated: 1 day ago
Talk about swoon-worthy blooms; Camellias are gorgeous and bloom in the cooler months of the year. Depending on the variety, some bloom during the holiday season, during the coldest months of the year in January and February, and some varieties bloom into March and early April.
Shown above: 'Yuletide' Camellia, which blooms during the holiday season
In Middle Tennessee, we must take care of Camellias very well in order for them to bloom well. The main reason is that our winters are harsher than those south of us, where you find Camellias everywhere. Even though we need to care for them a little more, they reward us well with gorgeous, large blooms that are well worth the extra care! Pay attention to what variety of Camellia you are buying, to be sure it will thrive in our planting zone. The varieties we grow here at the nursery do well in Middle Tennessee, so you need not worry about that when purchasing one from us.
How to care for Camellias in our area:
Camellias love part sun to shade locations. Protection from the afternoon sun is important for these shrubs.
Many varieties can reach 10′-12′ tall, making this shrub even more delightful to see full of blooms in the cooler months!
Most varieties bloom in the winter or early spring, making this shrub a wonderful addition to your landscape when you are trying to achieve bloom and color year-round! Colors of blooms include shades of pink, red, white, and coral.
Camellias need some protection from the wind. Planting them near a fence or against your house where they can have a barrier from gusts would be helpful.
They need well-draining, fertile soil.
In snow or ice, you'll want to protect with a frost cloth or old sheet. Also, a fresh layer of mulch each year helps insulate your Camellias and keep them warmer in winter, as well as cooler in the summer.
