The best part about growing camellias in pots? You can easily tuck them away indoors to keep them frost-free during the winter. The trade-off is that container-grown plants are a bit more high-maintenance since they rely entirely on you for their “room and board.”
Location
During the outdoor season, most camellias are happiest in a spot with partial shade. They can handle some sun, but you’ll want to shield them from that intense, scorching midday heat. Also, try to find a nook that’s protected from harsh winds.
When it’s time for wintering, your potted camellias will need a bright, cool spot to rest until spring.
Choosing the Right Pot
Size really does matter here! If the pot is too big, it doesn’t just look awkward—it can actually harm the plant. A massive pot holds too much moisture, leading to soggy soil that camellias absolutely hate.
The “Goldilocks” rule for camellias is a container with a diameter about two inches (five centimeters) wider than the root ball. Keep this same ratio in mind whenever you’re ready to repot.
Drainage and Soil
To make sure excess rain or irrigation water can flow out easily, always start with a drainage layer of gravel or broken terracotta shards at the bottom of the pot. For the soil itself, rhododendron mix is your best bet. It has the perfect acidity and structure that camellias crave.
Watering Tips
How much water your camellia needs depends on a few things:
- The size of the plant
- The shape of the pot (shallow vs. deep)
- The weather (hot and dry vs. cool and rainy)
The golden rule is to water “thoroughly.” This means the water should soak through the entire root ball, not just the surface. Use the “thumb test” to check the soil moisture before watering again. To prevent the plant from dropping its buds, make sure it never completely dries out during its main growth phase (late spring through autumn).
Fertilizing
The feeding window for camellias starts right after they finish blooming—just as those first green shoots appear—and wraps up in mid-July. Since the plant is busy growing new stems and setting next year’s buds during this time, you should fertilize regularly (every one to two weeks).
A liquid fertilizer works great for potted camellias. Here’s a pro tip for the timing:
- Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer until the end of June to encourage leafy growth.
- Switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer from then until mid-July to help the plant harden off and prepare for winter.
