Camellia Care Guide for BC 

How to Plant, Grow & Care for Camellias 

Camellias are elegant evergreen shrubs known for their glossy foliage and beautiful rose-like flowers that bloom from fall through spring depending on the variety. These long-lived plants bring colour to the garden during seasons when few other shrubs are flowering. 

Camellias thrive in sheltered gardens with acidic soil and consistent moisture, making them excellent companions to rhododendrons and azaleas. 

 

Understanding Camellia Types 

Different camellia species bloom at different times of year. 

Camellia japonica 

• Large, showy flowers 

• Blooms late winter through spring 

• Grows as a large evergreen shrub 

One of the most commonly planted camellias. 

 

Camellia sasanqua 

• Smaller flowers but often very abundant 

• Blooms fall through early winter 

• More tolerant of sun than japonica types 

Often used as hedges or screening plants. 

 

Hybrid Camellias 

• Crosses between different camellia species 

• Often combine improved cold tolerance with beautiful flowers 

• Bloom times vary by variety 

Your local GARDENWORKS team can help you select varieties suited to your garden. 

 

 

How to Plant Camellias 

Camellias establish best when planted in the right soil and location. 

Sun Requirements 

• Partial shade is ideal, although Camellia sasanqua are more sun tolerant  

• Morning sun with afternoon shade works best 

• Avoid hot afternoon sun, especially inland 

Too much sun can cause leaf scorch or faded flowers. 

 

Soil Requirements 

Camellias require: 

• Acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5) 

• Rich organic matter 

• Excellent drainage 

Amend soil with compost and bark mulch before planting. 

 

Planting Steps 

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. 

• Improve soil with compost and organic matter such as Sea Soil, GW Composted Mushroom Manure or GW Composted Cattle Manure  

2. Plant slightly above surrounding soil level. 

3. Water thoroughly with GW Transplanting Fertilizer 5-15-5 after planting to encourage strong root development.  

4. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch. 

Keep mulch away from the trunk. 

 

Watering Camellias 

Camellias prefer evenly moist soil. 

• Water regularly during the first growing season 

• Maintain moisture during summer dry periods 

• Avoid soggy or poorly drained soil 

Mulching helps retain moisture and protect shallow roots. 

 

Fertilizing Camellias 

• Use fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants such as GW Rhododendron & Azalea Food 10-8-6 

• Apply in early spring after flowering 

• Compost top-dressing improves soil health 

Avoid excessive fertilizing. 

 

Pruning Camellias 

Camellias require minimal pruning. 

• Lightly shape after flowering 

• Remove dead or damaged branches anytime 

• Thin dense growth if needed 

Heavy pruning may reduce flowering the following season. 

 

Growing Camellias in South Coastal BC 

South Coastal BC provides ideal conditions for camellias. 

Climate Advantages 

• Mild winters 

• Moderate summer temperatures 

• Higher humidity 

These conditions closely resemble the plants’ native environments. 

 

Coastal Considerations 

• Protect from strong winter winds 

• Ensure good drainage in clay soils 

• Provide afternoon shade for best flower quality 

Many camellias thrive in coastal BC gardens and can become large, long-lived shrubs. 

 

Common Camellia Problems & Solutions 

Camellias are generally reliable shrubs when grown in the right conditions, but a few common issues can affect their growth and flowering. 

 

Bud Drop (Buds Falling Before Opening) 

One of the most common camellia problems is buds dropping before they bloom. 

Possible causes: 

• Inconsistent watering 

• Sudden temperature changes 

• Late frost damage 

• Too much shade 

• Poor soil drainage 

• Poor air circulation causing fungal issues 

How to prevent it: 

• Maintain consistent soil moisture 

• Mulch to protect shallow roots 

• Plant in a sheltered location  

• Avoid moving plants once buds have formed 

 

Yellow Leaves 

Yellow leaves can indicate several different issues. 

Possible causes: 

• Soil that is too alkaline 

• Poor drainage 

• Nutrient deficiency 

• Overwatering 

Solutions: 

• Test soil pH and maintain acidic soil conditions 

• Improve drainage with organic matter 

• Apply fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants 

 

 

Brown or Scorched Leaves 

Leaf scorch can occur during hot or dry conditions. 

Possible causes: 

• Excessive sun exposure 

• Drought stress 

• Wind exposure 

Solutions: 

• Provide afternoon shade 

• Water deeply during dry periods 

• Plant in protected locations 

 

Few or No Flowers 

If your camellia has healthy foliage but few blooms, it may be due to environmental factors. 

Possible causes: 

• Too much shade 

• Heavy pruning at the wrong time 

• Excess nitrogen fertilizer 

• Frost damage to flower buds 

Solutions: 

• Increase sunlight exposure 

• Prune only after flowering 

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers 

 

Slow Growth 

Camellias are naturally slow-growing shrubs, but extremely slow growth may indicate soil or site issues. 

Possible causes: 

• Poor soil quality 

• Lack of organic matter 

• Compacted soil 

Solutions: 

• Improve soil with compost 

• Maintain a thick mulch layer 

• Avoid disturbing shallow roots 

 

Winter Damage 

In colder areas or exposed gardens, winter conditions may damage foliage or buds. 

Prevention tips: 

• Plant camellias in sheltered locations 

• Protect from cold winter winds 

• Mulch root zones before winter 

 

 

Seasonal Camellia Care Calendar 

Late Winter / Early Spring 

• Enjoy flowering (japonica varieties) 

• Light pruning after bloom 

Spring 

• Apply compost or acid-loving fertilizer 

Summer 

• Maintain consistent watering 

• Protect from extreme heat inland 

Fall 

• Sasanqua camellias begin blooming 

• Maintain mulch layer 

Winter 

• Protect from strong winds inland 

 

Camellia FAQs 

Do camellias grow well in BC? 
Yes, especially in South Coastal BC where the mild climate suits them well. 

Can camellias grow in Penticton? 
They may grow in protected locations with amended soil and winter protection, but conditions are generally not ideal for growing them successfully.  

Do camellias need acidic soil? 
Yes. Like rhododendrons and azaleas, camellias prefer acidic soil. 

When should camellias be pruned? 
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.