Camellia

How to grow Camellia

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in autumn or spring in a sheltered spot with shade from early morning sun - frosted buds thawed quickly by sun turn brown and drop, which is the single most common complaint about camellias. A west-facing wall or light woodland shade is ideal. In alkaline soil grow it in a large pot of ericaceous compost.

Pruning

Very little is needed. Shape or reduce straight after flowering, before new growth begins, and remove dead or crossing wood. It will reshoot from old wood if a hard renovation is unavoidable.

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer with bottom heat, or layering. Both are slow.

Pests and diseases

Scale insects on stems and leaf undersides, with sooty mould following. Vine weevil is a serious problem in containers. Bud drop and yellowing leaves are usually cultural - dryness in late summer, or lime in the soil or water.

Notes

Water with rainwater where you can; hard tap water raises the pH of container compost over time and causes yellowing between the leaf veins. Mulch annually with composted bark or leaf mould and feed with an ericaceous fertiliser after flowering.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Camellia japonica but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

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