How to Grow a Camellia in Cold Weather

Camellias are ideal for your garden if you want a plant that blossoms even as the weather turns cold. Camellias are exceptionally cold-hearty, and, barring any sudden, extreme weather changes, they thrive in the winter conditions of most of North America. Better still, camellias require little maintenance after you plant them, so you do not have to spend a lot of time out in the cold tending to the plant. With proper planting and minimal care, you can enjoy bright, beautiful blooms even as the weather turns cold and gray.

Camellia shrub
Shovel
Peat moss
Water
Acid-enriched fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Select an area of your garden in which the camellia will thrive. Choose a spot that receives an even mix of shade and light and has nurtured acid-loving plants in the past or present. Camellias prefer acidic soil — the kind in which azaleas, gardenias and hydrangeas also thrive. The soil should drain well, so the roots do not get soggy.
- 2
  Plant the shrub in late autumn. Dig a hole that is 2 feet wider than the root ball of the plant. Leave loose soil in the middle of the hole. Place the plant on the loose soil. The root ball should sit slightly higher than ground level.
- 3
  Fill the hole with soil and organic matter, like peat moss, to nourish the plant.
- 4
  Keep the camellia well hydrated. Soak the ground around the plant once a week, in the absence of rain.
- 5
  Fertilize the plant with an acid-enriched plant food after it begins to bloom.
- 6
  Prune the shrub to control the total size of the plant. No other pruning is necessary.

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