Growing This Fussy Pink Shrub Is Prettier In Theory Than In Practice

Fans of the color pink will have a hard time saying "no" to growing camellias (Camellia spp.). Hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 6 through 9, this evergreen shrub is native to southern Asia and beloved by gardeners all across the globe for its stunning flowers in numerous shades of pink, red, and white. (Some fun lore: In Japan, the leaves from one camellia subspecies, Camellia sinensis, are often used to make teas.) There are upwards of 250 known variations of camellias, but two of the most commonly grown ones are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. The former variety flowers in late winter and early spring, while the latter blooms in the fall.

Alas, camellias' gorgeous blooms mask a decidedly less-attractive truth: their fussiness. Prone to contracting rot root and attracting pests, this plant can be a nightmare for inexperienced gardeners who were expecting an easy cold-hardy shrub. It's also sensitive to certain light conditions and overwatering. Below, find an overview of everything you need to know before committing to this popular perennial that may not be worth planting in your garden.

Camellias are notoriously fussy and really need the right growing conditions to thrive. For example, you'll have a difficult time growing this flowering shrub in patches of your garden or yard that receive hours and hours of hot, harsh sunlight. Its sensitive leaves and flowers can easily get burned. The same can be said for areas that don't provide any shelter from harsh wind. 

If you plant camellias, ensure that the holes you dig aren't too deep, which can be detrimental to newer plants. Though it's relatively cold-hardy, this flowering shrub is not drought-resistant in the long term, particularly when it's newly planted and during its growing season. With too little moisture, its flower buds will fall before they even have the chance to bloom—but too much water can also cause severe damage, water-logging its root system and potentially leading to rot. (Told you this plant was fussy!)

Common garden pests such as aphids and spider mites love camellias too, so that's another thing you'll need to watch out for. Oh, and did we mention that camellias grow super slowly? Camellia japonica in particular can take years to reach its full potential. All that to say, if you're a newbie gardener, or you're looking for a flowering plant you can grow quickly, then you may want to look elsewhere.

Determined to grow camellias anyway? As long as you're aware of their highly specific care needs, you'll be golden. Set yourself up for success by planting them in late fall or early spring. Choose a spot with partial shade, soil that's well-drained and slightly acidic, and at least some shelter from heavy rain and winds. You might consider testing your soil's pH levels and adding some organic matter into the mixture to boost drainage. Be sure that they're not planted too deeply into the ground; young camellias need airflow near the base of the plant to establish roots and grow successfully. You can skip fertilizer too—for camellias, it can actually do more harm than good.

Instead, apply a light layer of organic mulch, and focus on keeping them properly watered, which is critical for newly planted camellias. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and then water them thoroughly, all the way down to the roots. Once winter rolls around, you should opt to cover your camellias for the season, especially if you live in an area that gets biting winter winds or heavy snow. This will provide some protection from the elements and ensure that they grow back year after year.