Australian Camelia

🌺 Camellia Plant Overview:
Botanical Name: Camellia japonica (common), Camellia sasanqua, etc.

Family: Theaceae

Type: Evergreen shrub

Flowers: Rose-like, in shades of pink, red, white, or bi-color

Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring (Japonica), fall to early winter (Sasanqua)

☀️ Light Requirements:
Ideal: Partial shade — bright, indirect light

Avoid: Harsh afternoon sun (can scorch leaves), full shade (reduces blooming)

🌡️ Temperature & Climate:
Prefers cool to moderate climates (15°C to 25°C)

Protect from frost and extreme summer heat

Not ideal for tropical hot regions unless grown in cooler shaded spots

💧 Watering Needs:
Keep soil consistently moist, especially in blooming season

Allow the topsoil to dry slightly before watering again

Avoid waterlogging — it can cause root rot

🌱 Soil Requirements:
Type: Acidic, well-draining soil (pH 5.5–6.5)

Mix: Use a soil mix of garden soil + compost + peat moss or cocopeat

Mulch: Use organic mulch to retain moisture and maintain soil temperature

🌿 Fertilizer:
Use acid-loving plant fertilizer (like azalea or rhododendron food)

Feed in spring and summer; stop during winter

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (promotes leaves, not flowers)

✂️ Pruning:
Prune after flowering ends (late spring)

Remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation

Light pruning shapes the plant and encourages blooming

🪴 Pot/Container Growing:
Ensure pot has drainage holes

Repot every 2–3 years after flowering

Use acidic potting mix

🐛 Pests & Diseases:
Watch for aphids, spider mites, tea scale, and leaf gall

Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

🌸 Camellia Blooming Tips:
Buds form in late summer to fall, so avoid pruning then

Maintain steady moisture and avoid stress during budding

Protect from frost to prevent bud drop