Camellia tree

Camellia tree: variety photo

The tree-like garden camellia is a plant of amazing beauty. It is becoming more and more popular among our gardeners. Specially for some regions of our country, varieties have appeared that are distinguished by high frost resistance. When growing a Camellia tree, some gardeners observe the following picture: the shrub stops blooming, begins to shed its buds, then subsequently dries up altogether. And there are gardeners who say that special care is not required, the tree-like garden camellia grows very well on its own.

Camellia tree: planting

Camellia tree: variety photo

The tree camellia is not particularly demanding on fertilizing, since the activity of its flowering occurs in April-July. Most often, the tree camellia begins to be planted precisely in the spring, so that it has time to recover. When in March - April, the camellia is planted in the garden, where it is given a one-time feeding, which is also used for rhododendrons. Professional gardeners say that it is best to grow camellias in a separate pot for the first 4 years. And only after 4 years, you can transplant a tree-like garden camellia with good roots into the ground at a summer cottage.

Camellia arborescent is not recommended for direct sun, a shady place is preferable. But make sure it's not a completely dark place. Then the buds may not appear. Direct sunlight burns the leaves of the plant. Also, protect the plant from strong winds that can dry out the beautiful green crown of the plant. As a soil for a tree camellia, a mixture of soil with earth for rhododendrons is well suited. The best option for her is acidic soil with moderate moisture.

In order to plant a tree-like garden camellia, it is preferable to choose a soil that is suitable for azaleas and rhododendrons. Such soil contains perlite, upper peat, sand, ground bark and vermiculite.

Keep in mind that the substrate must be water and air permeable, and acidic.

The tree camellia has 2 flowering periods: from April to May (the beginning of these months) and from July until autumn. If you plan to transplant camellia, then it is best to do it from November to March, when the plant is dormant.

Camellia tree: care

Although we said that the tree camellia is unpretentious in its care, but if you plant it in your summer cottage, then it needs special care. This is especially true for the water you will water the plant with. Garden camellia tree does not like water in which there is some kind of impurity, very soft and rainwater. For irrigation, water is suitable, which has already settled for several days. In summer, water the plant in a moderate and regular manner, while making sure that no water gets on the flower or bud.

It is recommended to feed the camellia tree in the spring, when a special growth of plant development begins. Until the end of the summer months, you can do top dressing 2 times a month. Top dressing should be done after watering the camellia. Organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable for feeding. You can buy them in a special store. After the end of the summer season, the plant should not be fertilized, there is simply no special need for it. You can also use special fertilizers that are intended for acidic soils.A water-soluble compound fertilizer is also a good choice.

As for pruning, the tree camellia garden is an unpretentious plant. You can prune the branches after flowering is over. A young plant should be transplanted every year. It is also recommended to do this in spring.

Reproduction

Camellia tree-like is capable of seed reproduction. The seeds should be planted in a seedling box; in the two-leaf phase, the seedlings should be dived. It will also be good if you plant the seeds immediately in a separate small pot, the diameter of which is about 5-7 cm, but by planting a plant in this way, it may lose its varietal trait. The varietal bush is subject to propagation only in a vegetative way. For this, unfinished cuttings are well suited. You can cut off the shoot only in July and January. Keep this in mind. For 2-3 years, the cuttings should be transplanted into a large container.

What diseases and pests can threaten Camellia tree

If you properly care for the tree camellia, then almost nothing can threaten it. But if she feels a lack of care and attention, then she may undergo fungal diseases or attack by aphids, spider mites. If you notice that black-gray or brown spots have formed on the leaves of the plant, this may mean that she has contracted a fungal disease. It is best to get rid of the infected plant altogether. Aphids can be fought with regular alcohol or a special-purpose insecticide. In the fight against aphids, a soap solution does a good job, which should be used to rinse the entire plant. A considerable danger to the tree-like garden camellia is a spider mite. Special solutions do a good job with it. The main thing is to start fighting it as early as possible.

Camellia tree: photo