Unlike most other container plants, camellias present a unique challenge during the colder months: you have to balance winter frost protection with their actual blooming season. For us home gardeners, the real trick is making sure both of those needs are met at the same time.
Protection from the Cold and Frost
Even if the tag on your plant says it’s hardy, camellias grown in pots aren’t truly winter-proof. The big issue here is the container itself; cold air hits the walls and bottom of the pot, freezing the roots quickly. Once those roots freeze, it’s game over for the plant.
Because of this, you’ll want to bring your camellias indoors once the outdoor temperatures consistently hover around 40°F (5°C).
The Blooming Season
Most camellias bloom between January and March. To get those beautiful buds to actually open instead of just dropping off, the plant needs to stay cool. We’re talking an ideal range of 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C). But here’s the kicker—and maybe the most important part—they also need a ton of light.
The Perfect Winter Spot
When you combine the need for frost protection with the requirements for blooming, the ideal location for your camellia after its summer vacation outdoors looks like this:
- Lots of bright light
- Temperatures between 50°F and 60°F
While you might find those cool temps in an unheated bedroom, getting enough light in those spaces is usually the hard part. On the flip side, bright living rooms are almost always way too warm (over 60°F). Your best bets for a bright, cool winter home are:
- A sunroom or conservatory
- A bright stairwell
- A finished attic with windows
- A basement with egress windows
- A greenhouse
Can they just stay on the balcony?
You’ll often hear people suggest overwintering camellias on a balcony or patio by wrapping the pot in insulation. While that might keep the plant alive, what they don’t tell you is whether it will actually bloom. Since the “sweet spot” for flowering is 50-60°F, a freezing balcony usually means you’ll miss out on those gorgeous flowers.
Winter Care Tips
The good news is that camellia care during the winter is pretty straightforward. Your main job is hydration. Water your camellia regularly to make sure the soil never completely dries out, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning winter display!
