Camellia Arctic Rose

Planting Site

• The best time to plant “Arctic Rose” is in late fall up to early spring. Choose the planting site carefully. Although this camellia tolerates full shade, it won’t bloom as well, so choose an area that receives dappled shade. Avoid planting it beneath a shallow-rooted tree that will compete with the “Arctic Rose” for soil nutrients and moisture. If you intend to plant more than one "Arctic Rose" camellia, find a site that allows for at least 5 feet between each shrub.

Planting

• Dig the planting hole so that it is 1 inch shallower than the nursery pot in which the “Arctic Rose” is growing, and three times the width. This allows the plant’s crown to sit just above the surface of the soil. Remove the “Arctic Rose” from its container and run water over the roots to remove the potting soil. If the roots are tightly wound around the root ball, use your fingers to pull them apart. Place the roots in the hole, fill the hole with soil and water to a depth of 12 inches to settle the soil around the roots.

Establishment

• Build a soil berm around the camellia to act as a water well during establishment. Make it 5 inches in height and 3 feet in diameter. When you water, fill the water well. Spread 3 inches of mulch over the plant’s exposed crown and spread it over the soil in the water well. Water the “Arctic Rose” if it doesn’t rain within a week of planting and every week thereafter without rain.

Care

• Fertilize the young “Arctic Rose” shrub in its first spring. Wait until you see buds and use a 12-4-8 analysis fertilizer with minor elements. Use 3 tablespoons per square feet of root zone. Check the fertilizer label and if it suggests using less than this, follow those instructions. It’s important not to over-fertilize camellias. Water the “Arctic Rose” slowly, to a depth of 8 inches after fertilizing. Once the shrub is established it tolerates somewhat dry soil. (refs 4)Water only if there is no rain for two weeks.

Pruning

• Prune the “Arctic Rose” only if you feel it needs shaping or to keep it to the size you want. The best time to prune the shrub is after it finishes blooming. Timing is important because the shrub begins to produce new growth soon after flowering. Remove dead shoots and any growth that appears weaker than the rest. Prune small, spindly stems from the interior of the shrub to open it to increased air circulation