Flame

created by Sylvia K. at 27.02.2021

Season Overview

1ST YEAR

Description

Growth Japanese camellia is densely branched and grows upright. In their native country, the small tree-like shrubs can grow up to 15 meters high. Here they belong to the medium-high shrubs with three to four meters. Leaves The dark green, oval leaves of Camellia japonica are nicely lacquered. Flowers The flowers of the Japanese camellia offer a magnificent spectacle between November and May, depending on the location. The enormous variety of varieties ranges from snowy white to cream and pink hues to the legendary camellia red. The shape also has so much to offer that the flowers have been divided into different types: they are simple, peony-shaped, semi-double, anemone-shaped, double or rose-shaped. The flowers can be plain or striped. Already in June, the buds develop for the next year's flowering period. Location Find an outdoor spot for the container plant that is as semi-shaded as possible. Completely shaded is bad, because the camellia needs the summer sun to form its flowers. However, it does not tolerate direct sun either. Protect the plant especially from the blazing midday sun. A sheltered, off-sun place on the terrace or balcony is ideal. There are only a few regions with mild winters where the Japanese camellia can be planted out as in Mediterranean areas. And even here the microclimate must be right. Substrate Camellia japonica needs a loose, permeable and slightly acidic substrate. You can mix the soil yourself: Take six parts of white peat and one part each of green compost, leaves and bark compost, and mix in one part each of expanded clay balls and sand for aeration. The culture in rhododendron soil succeeds quite safely. It is rich in humus, free of lime and has a low pH, as it loves camellias. Watering Japanese camellias not only like a slightly acidic soil, they also want to be watered with soft, lime-free water. Therefore, it is best to use rainwater. You should demineralize tap water that contains lime. When caring for camellias, keep the substrate moderately moist and avoid waterlogging. Especially during hot spells, make sure that the soil in the container never dries out completely. If camellias are dry as a ball, they will drop their buds. Fertilize As for fertilizing, you should know that Camellia japonica is a weak grower. It is enough if you give it half of the specified fertilizer recommendation. Suitable are mineral slow-release fertilizers for rhododendrons as soon as the new shoots appear and another time at the beginning of May. If you prefer liquid fertilizers, use a green plant fertilizer. Administer it with the watering every two to three weeks from flowering to the end of June. Repotting Camellias usually outgrow their containers after three to five years. The younger they are, the more often you need to repot them. If you want to repot Camellia japonica, the weeks between May and July are the best time. Do not choose the new pot too large. Before potting, submerge the root ball under water until bubbles stop rising. Then put the potted plant, but not too deep. Cut Camellia japonica is tolerant of pruning. Especially with younger plants, you can sometimes reach for the scissors so that they branch well and grow densely bushy. Older camellias do not normally need pruning. If you want to prune your Japanese camellia, the spring before new shoots begin is the appropriate time. Other care If the humidity is low, for example in heated winter quarters, you should occasionally spray the leaves with rainwater. This is also advisable in hot summers on the terrace. Wintering Leave the Japanese camellia outside as long as possible. Only when the move to winter quarters can no longer be delayed, put the tub plant away. This is the case with most varieties of Camellia japonica from minus three to minus five degrees Celsius. Overwinter camellias at temperatures between 10 and a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius. A cool winter garden, small greenhouse or unheated staircase are suitable. The location should be as bright and humid as possible. Under glass, you need to pay attention to good ventilation and shading in the sunshine.

F1 Hybrid

Frostproof