The Growing of Camellias and Azaleas

Selecting a position in the garden
Camellias and Azaleas are shade lovers, yet enjoy a light location rather than a dark or heavily shaded position.Choose a cool position, protected from the afternoon heat in summer. An eastern, southern or south eastern aspect, or a verandah, patio or in between buildings usually offer the desired protection. The presence of large shrubs or trees in the garden can offer the required protection. Ensure there is protection from the dry hot north wind. Filtered sunlight through 50 to 70% shade cloth is ideal. Avoid planting close to established trees, whilst they give excellent shade and protection, root competition may be attracted by the improved soil and watering conditions. An answer is to grow them above the ground in a pot. Consider Camellia sasanqua and the “sun tolerant” selection of Azaleas for the more exposed positions, discuss location and variety choices with our helpful team. back to top

The Soil
Camellias and Azaleas prefer an acidic, (ie. no limestone) rich friable soil with a high humus content (decomposed organic matter). A pH (the scale used to gauge soil acidity) of 5-6 is desirable. The acidity and structure of soil can be improved greatly by incorporating generous quantities of soil conditioners such as YATES peat moss, pulverised pine bark or humus (well composted organic matter).

To improve soil acidity for existing plants apply sulphur YATES Acetone. However if in doubt to the pH of your soil, bring a sample to the nursery for testing and advice on correction methods. Clay type soils are improved by the addition of gypsum, or YATES hose on Clay Breaker and soil conditioners, these all assist in breaking up clay particles, better drainage and aeration will result. Sandy soils and water retention is improved with generous quantities of soil conditioners and humus. back to top

Preparing a Garden Bed
Prepare an area at least 1 metre square, adding to the soil the necessary conditioners. It is advisable to raise the bed 10 to 20 cm above the surrounding ground to ensure good drainage, soil depth need only be 40-50 cm deep as these are shallow rooted plants. back to top

Planting
Remove the plant from the container, not allowing the root ball to break up in your hands. The plant should be placed in the hole no deeper than it was originally. Now back fill, gently firming the soil down whilst ensuring the plant remains upright and straight. Stake and fertilise. Finally water the plant well to settle it in. Planting is best carried out during the months of March through to October. back to top

Growing in a Pot
Tub culture is becoming increasingly popular and has many advantages. Where soil and climatic conditions are unsuitable or where garden space is limited, tub plants are ideal for furnishing a patio area or verandah. When in flower the tub can be shifted to a feature position, and returned to a more protected position, at the onset of summer. When potting, use Newman's quality Acidic Camellia and Azalea potting mix. Azaleas and Camellias can be grown in tubs, with the correct maintenance, for many years. If starting with a small plant, eg. 15 cm pot size, it should be only potted into a slightly larger container, eg. 20/25 cm pot, there it should remain for up to 2 years.The next potting would take it to a 30 cm container where it could remain for up to 3 years. From this stage you can go to a much larger tub, as long as the plant is growing vigorously. Now in a large tub, maintenance involves regular fertilising and mulching and every 3 to 4 years repotting back into the same tub, ask at Newmans if you are still unsure.
Potting can be carried out during the months of March to October, August/September being the optimum months, just after flowering, but before
the new growth starts. back to top

General Care

Fertiliser
Apply fertiliser only during the spring, summer and early autumn and never exceed the directions on the container.Do not over fertilise!, Camellias and Azaleas often die from too much, but rarely from not enough. Symptoms of over feeding can be marginal leaf burn, leaf discolouration, bud drop, leaf drop, or buds failing to opening properly.

For potted plants we recommend Osmocote or Nutricote slow release fertiliser. Applied in Spring it continues to feed until Autumn, this can be followed by a light application of YATES Blood and Bone in March/April.

For plants grown in the ground we recommend either YATES Gro Plus Camellia and Azalea fertiliser (instructions on the pack) or YATES Blood and Bone at the rate of a heaped cupful to a square metre in September, December and February.
Always water well after fertilizing. back to top

Watering
The frequency of watering varies with the prevailing weather and your type of soils. One or two deep soakings a week rather than daily light watering is best. After watering allow the surface of the soil (or mulch) to start to dry a little before it's next watering. To maintain a humid atmosphere it is beneficial to spray the foliage and its surroundings regularly during the hottest days in summer. back to top

Mulching
Mulching the soil surface in pots and the ground keeps the soil cool, this conserves moisture and suppresses weeds. Use a mulch which decomposes readily and the soil will benefit too. Some ideal mulches are cow manure, pulverised pine bark, YATES peat moss, mushroom compost or pea straw. Soil wetting agents such as SaturAid or Wettasoil applied before summer are recommended. back to top

Pruning
Prune to increase bushiness, to stimulate vigour or improve general shape,
this should be done during the late winter and early spring. Ask our experienced team how! back to top

Insect Pests
Camellias and Azaleas are generally resistant to insect attacks but can occasionally be affected. Control can be achieved by the following treatments,
Aphids and Thrips - use Pyrethrin or Confidor, or wash a small infestation off with a hose.
Scale - use YATES Malascale (A mixture of Malathion and White oil) or YATES Scale Gun.
Mites or Red Spider - use Sulfine or Pest Oil, or if the infestation is persistent speak to one of our team for advice.
Caterpillars - use Dipel, or if they persist use Mavrik.
Remember always keep strictly to the manufacturers recommendations when mixing and applying, always read safety directions carefully.
Always consult our helpful team if in doubt as to what
is attacking your plants. back to top

Cultural Problems
Feel free to discuss or bring samples to the nursery, we are only too happy to advise on any problems you may be experiencing with your Camellias and Azaleas.