Camellia is a rather attractive flower with dark glossy foliage and beautiful large flower buds. This tropical flower can be grown outdoors and indoors, decorating your interior with it.

In order for the plant to grow and develop well, and also to please with beautiful flowers, it is necessary to properly care for Camellia throughout the year.

We have a very small selection, with translations of names; we remember that, as always in varieties, identification is always approximate. "Lion Head" is an example of a peony flower shape; "Damanao" is sporty, early, and spreads throughout Yunnan. The extreme contrast between white and red light makes it instantly recognizable. original flower much prettier than the examples depicted by Makoba on page 219 of his book. Damanao Grid, Cixi Mountain, Yunnan, China. "Large Crimson" is an example of very large peony forms, sometimes developing into thick and strong petals.

Lighting and temperature

The best place in an apartment for growing is east-facing windows, as it loves bright and diffused light. When growing a bush of Camellia on a window, it must be turned to the light in different directions so that it develops evenly.

Camellia does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Throughout the year, the plant prefers an even temperature in the range of 20-25 degrees Celsius. But for the formation of buds and flowering of an Asian beauty, a temperature of +10 degrees is needed.

Figure 16 Kiming Wetland Institute, Yunnan, China. Spreading throughout Yunnan, it probably coincides with "Robert Fortune". Reticulated camellia 'Xuejiao', Cixi Mountain, Yunnan, China. In Italy, once much more cultivated, it is now distributed mainly in the region of Lake Maggiore, Liguria and central-south Italy and the hinterland. Some Camellia plants, in nature and in favorable climatic conditions, can reach a height of fifteen meters. Being an evergreen plant, it retains its leaves throughout the year, they are green in varying degrees depending on the species, alternately arranged, shiny and with aromatic glands.

Humidity and watering

Tropical beauty grows in the forests, where all the time high humidity. This means that in a room, she will not refuse timely watering and spraying the leaf mass with warm and settled water.

It is important when spraying the leaves not to fall on the flowers, as they deteriorate in appearance.

The flowering period is spring, the flowers can be white, red, pink, double, single, peony, anemone and double classic, some are characterized by an intense aroma, while others are absent. Camellia fruit consists of a capsule. The camellia produces a huge amount of flowers, and if we were in front of an exaggerated bloom, it would be wise to intervene by cutting the flowers, having a smaller number, but having a larger size. Camellia prefers a temperate and humid climate, and in these places, as in those places where it originated, this shrub is very tall and branched, and especially hard wood is obtained from the bark.

Soil and top dressing

soil for camellia must be oxidized, but it will be possible to compose it yourself from the following parts:

  1. Part of the sod land.
  2. Part of the sand.
  3. Leaf land.
  4. Two parts of coniferous land.

It is important not to cover the horse neck of the plant when transplanting.

The flowers of this species are seven to fourteen centimeters wide, they can be white, pink, red in varying degrees, they bloom from February to May. According to their flowers, we can give some varieties: White-pure flower: sunrise of dwarfs, sunrise of Casoretti, Alba-plena, Ristori and so on. White, pink, red and pink color: Angela Cocchi, Camille Galli, Count of Flanders, Dionisia Poniatowski, Elisa Casareto, Elvira Bianchi and others.

Pink flower: Incarnate, Adele Palagi Doctors, Tommaso Lazzarini and so on. Red or dark pink color: Aurora Gicciardini, Count Kovur, Future, Parmentieri and so on. The preferred soil of Camellia is acid type, dissolved and rich in organic matter; like many other plants, Camellia needs well-drained soil because it is afraid of stagnant water. The rebound must be made every year between September and October. Camellia is propagated by cuttings, seeds, propagation, margining.

Fertilizing the plant occurs throughout the year with complete mineral fertilizers. Fertilize once a month on moist soil so that the root system of the plant does not burn out.

Transfer

Like any plant transplant, this one does not look very complicated. For this purpose, a pot is selected not much larger than the previous one in diameter, and 5 cm difference is enough.

Wait until the cuttings have roots. The seed propagation technique is used to create new cultivations because, as stated in other articles, it does not guarantee equality between new plants and mother plant. When the fruits, that is, the capsules, turn brown-reddish, in the autumn season they will collect seeds that will lie in an acidic substrate.

At this stage, you put the vase in a protected place for a year. As we have already said, Camellia needs constantly moist, but not too large soil, in the spring and summer they bring water in excess to avoid stagnant water and, once every two weeks, wipe the leaves to clean them; during the winter you should leave the soil dry before proceeding with a new watering. The water you will use for draining should be free of lime or poor.

It is important to ensure that the container contains drainage holes through which water will drain into the pan. If it does not soak into the soil after watering, after 15 minutes it should be drained to prevent rotting of the root system of the plant.



A 2 cm layer of expanded clay is laid out at the bottom of the pot, which serves as drainage. Then 4 cm of soil. The soil is selected specifically for Camellia oxidized, but the ready-made mixture is also suitable for Azaleas. Since the soil sold is usually moist, therefore, additional watering of the soil on the first day is not needed.

This should be done after the plant has flowered, removed dry or weak branches, and adjusted vegetative quotes to ensure better development in Camellia. Pruning is very important because this plant usually grows and grows erratically. An infusion of leaves is prepared, and in some cases spices are added. It is said to be the most popular drink in the world after water. There are several types: black, green, oolong, white, yellow, and after transferred. The names vary depending on the different processing under the leaves and the degree of fermentation: the black type is fermented, the unfermented green, the oolong is semi-fermented.

If there is no such soil for sale, you can collect soil in a coniferous forest by removing the top layer of needles. Then Camellia is placed on a layer of soil, and its roots are straightened so that they are directed in different directions and would not be tangled.

From the purchased Camellia, you need to remove all the peat in which it was planted for sale.

After drying, it can become flavored, detached and squeezed. The substances contained in tea are: caffeine, which stimulates nervous system, kettle, catechin, which is an antioxidant, theobromine, theophylline and fluoride. This may have different effects depending on the variety and method of infusion. If the infusion period is short, the effect is stimulating, if it is the longer, the effect will be opposite.

Camellia is susceptible to various diseases, and many times they are also caused by improper attachment of the elements necessary for regular development. If the leaves are brittle and green in color, this is a symptom of nitrogen deficiency. If you notice that the flowers are growing slowly, on the contrary, this means that we have applied too much nitrogen fertilizer. If the Camellia develops leaves that drop off the plant very easily, it means that it is deficient in phosphorus. In case the flowers were deficient in color and very sensitive to cold and fungus attacks, we must increase the intake of potassium.

Then the earth is poured around the roots, while you need to lightly tap on the walls of the pot so that all the voids with air in the middle of the roots are filled. When the earth is poured almost to the edges of the container, it is necessary to slightly squeeze it with your hands around the trunk of the Camellia. The first watering is done on the second day.

If the plant turns yellow and does not develop roots, and therefore we have placed it in soil that is too rich in limestone, in this case it is advisable to return it to suitable soil. Too much moisture, low light, too high temperatures or sudden changes in temperature can lead to loss of buds and petals. In this case, you will need to remove infected leaves and use copper-based products. The two main parasites of this plant are the brown or flint coccinella and the red spider.

The first occurs with the appearance of a small patch shield on the plant, can be eliminated with an alcohol harvester if the plant is young, if it is larger and older, to continue the pesticides. The second causes the leaves to become cloudy, turning them bronze and infecting the web.

How to cut and pinch

Plant pruning is done in October, this will make it possible to develop side shoots, on which flower buds are later formed. Pruning is done by shortening the branch by one third of its length.

Sometimes there are branches that, if cut, will be too short, and they will stand out from the general mass of the bush. Then they are pinched, removing the last two pairs of leaves.

In this case, you must make the environment humid, because, as already mentioned, high humidity impairs the reproduction of this parasite. This is a botanical variety that comes from tropical areas. Far East, and especially from Japan and China. This latter was the first to introduce camellias to Europe. In nature, there are more than 80 various kinds and is most commonly known as flowering plant. There are also woody shrubs in China and Japan that can reach remarkable heights.

Due to the beauty and color of its flowers, the camellia is generally considered one of the classic and irreplaceable ornamental plants. In Italy, it is grown especially in the pre-alpine region near the lakes and in Piedmont, but it can also be found in the center-south and on the islands. To get beautiful and lush camellias, it is important to know the basic functions. Camellia usually appears as a shrub or seedling and is evergreen. Usually it does not exceed 5-8 meters in height, but in some eastern variants it can even touch 15 meters.


Diseases and pests

Diseases Camellia not sick, but on it you can find pests:

  • Mealybugs- a white coating forms on the leaf plates and their axils, which means that a mealybug has settled on the leaves, feeding on the sap of the plant. All white plaque must be removed with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water, and if this does not help, then shed with Aktellik's solution.
  • Shchitovki- cover with growths, under which there are pests that feed on the juice of plants. It is difficult to get rid of scale insects, but it is possible. Brown growths are manually picked off, and then the plant is first sprayed from the Aktellik spray gun, and then the soil is spilled. This operation is carried out three times, after which the plant is transplanted into a new land.

It is necessary to notice pests in time and start treatment.

The plant's branches are not too long and are covered with dense foliage. In fact, the leaves are lanceolate, oval shaped and have regular margins. From a beautiful dark green, they are scattered with small glands that give a pleasant aroma. Whatever makes it unique, the camellia plant is its bright flowers, which can be simple, double or dilapidated. Plains consist of a single crown of petals, while doubles and demi-tops have an additional crown or half crown. Camellia flowers are very fragrant and are red, white or pink.

Flowering at home


flowering at different types happens at different times. Some bloom all autumn and winter, others bloom all spring. The plant blooms for a very long time, under the right conditions it lasts five months.

Possible problems for growing a flower

This flower reacts badly as to drying out an earthen coma, and on a permanent bay that harms the roots of the plant. From the scorching sun, the leaves turn brown, and the flower sheds its numerous buds.

Camellia plant: how to cultivate the camellia plant

Currently, there are at least a hundred different varieties of camellia, also including hybrids obtained from grafts. It has beautiful yellow and white flowers and in Italy it is found mostly along Lake Maggiore. Finally, another "variety" of camellias is quite common - "sasanqua". Originating from China, it is more rustic than the other species and usually flourishes between November and March. Growing a camellia plant is not that difficult if we know the needs well. It generally prefers airy and well ventilated environments.

With a lack of light, flowering may not occur at all.

flower reproduction

Flower reproduction occurs in the main ways:

  1. cuttings.
  2. Seeds.
  3. Vaccination is rarely used.

cuttings

After the cuttings get stronger, they are transplanted into a permanent pot.

Cuttings are carried out in late spring before the onset of summer heat. For this purpose cut cuttings 15 cm long.

If the camellia is planted in a pot, it will only remain closed during the winter season, as it will be taken outside as soon as the first heat comes. It grows very well in direct sunlight, but it is always best to ensure a minimum of shade. The camellia needs fresh, acidic and well-fertilized soil, watering the plant in spring and summer to keep the soil moist and watering the leaves even to clean them. Once potted, the plant will need to be re-invaded once a year between September and October.

Finally, the camellia needs a little pruning as it tends to grow in a mess. In Chinese tradition, the soft, softly rounded camellia petals are a symbol of ultimate sophistication, perfection, and superiority for their position in symmetry, and also express long-term loving affection. They also represent the essence of a girl who chose to trust her beloved. young man, represented by a cup that supports the flower. Petals and bowls are unusually united together with the plant after the flower has fallen, instead of slipping petal after another, characteristic of which camels are taken in China as a representative of a perfect union and eternal devotion between lovers, while they charge with a negative meaning " broken life" in Japan.

It is important that the shoots are green and not lignified.

The lower cut is wrapped in Kornevin, and the stalk is planted in a small container filled with earth for Camellia. lightly moisturize and cover with a glass jar according to the size of the handle to create greenhouse conditions. At the same time, one should not forget to ventilate the stalk once a day so that it does not begin to rot at high humidity and temperature.

However, the Japanese still value this indigenous plant for its petal-like flowers that open very early in late winter. In Korea, the months-long color of native camellia has been proven to be the tenacity of love and devotion, which is why it is often inserted into bouquets and wedding decorations. Therefore, it is a flower suitable for loved ones, it is very effective when sent by a secret admirer, giving a message of happiness when it is donated to a person. Camellias are also lucky symbols in the Chinese New Year, in which case they are also offered to the gods, but they also represent spring.

The temperature in the room where the Camellia seedlings stand should not rise above 21 degrees Celsius. After about 3.5 months, the cutting will have its own root system and then it can be removed from the greenhouse and transplanted into a slightly larger pot a week later.

seeds

Reproduction by seeds is less popular, since with this method of reproduction, the first flower can be seen. after 8 years. Seeds have good germination and are sown in mid-autumn in nutrient soil and covered with glass.

At the same time, it is worth monitoring the excess moisture and ventilating the seedlings. When most of the seeds sprout, the glass is removed, and when two true leaf plates appear, the seedlings dive into separate cups.

Seedlings of Camellia require illumination, since in winter there is little sun and the seedlings may begin to stretch.

In the spring it is hardened and taken out to fresh air.

Inoculation

Sometimes propagated by cuttings bad luck, and then the Camellia is vaccinated. For the stock, non-problematic varieties of Camellias or tea bushes are chosen. A grafted seedling needs the same care as an ungrafted plant.

Types of Camellia

Now many different hybrids have been obtained, which differ in the shape and color of the flowers.

Camellia japonica (Japanese rose)

Camellia japonica - the most common type Camellia, which is quite common among our flower lovers.

The shape of the Japanese Camellia flower can be different:

  • Terry;
  • Semi-double;
  • symmetrical;
  • Simple.

Color shades may vary from white to pink to red. Recently, hybrids with two-color buds have been bred. At home, the bush grows no more than a meter high. In the wild, thickets are known where Camellias reached a mark of 11 m in height.

This name was given because of the sheet plates make green and black teas. Flowers, which have a delicate aroma, are also added to tea using their petals. We grow it for the sake of leaves in the Krasnodar Territory.

At home, it is not cultivated, as it has only single flowers.



The Japanese call it The flower of the winter sun. In nature, it is found in the mountains of Kushu and Okinawa, creating beautiful flowering thickets there. At home, it will bloom if there is a cool environment, and then wonderful flowers will form on it from November to February.



This Camellia was the basis for breeding new hybrids. The shrub has a height of one and a half meters and beautiful large flowers of various shades bloom on it:

  • White;
  • Pink;
  • Dark red;
  • Burgundy.

oilseed

This type of Camellia grows along the banks of rivers in China. This is a tree height up to 10 m. not throwing off its foliage for the winter.

White flowers begin to bloom in September and they bloom until the end of October. After flowering, a seed box is formed, in which there are seeds that have a large amount of fat.

It is cultivated for the sake of oilseeds.

This is no longer a shrub, but huge tree having a height of 20 m. Large double red flowers bloom on it. In diameter, such a flower is 20 cm. And the color of the buds changes from white to red, mixing these shades. People call this color of buds Chimera.



This species of Camellia grows in the forests of China and Vietnam and is different from other species. a large presence of blooming flowers. On one small bush there can be about 200 of them. bright yellow flowers. This species is listed in the Chinese Red Book.



Camellia is a beautiful decorative flower. Some flower growers consider him a rather capricious plant, but if he creates the right conditions, he will delight with his flowering every winter or spring, depending on the variety acquired.

After all, the main thing that is needed for flowering is a bright, cool room, where the temperature will be kept as in the homeland of Camellia at 12 degrees Celsius.

Camellia (Camellia) is an evergreen plant belonging to the Tea family. This amazing flower was named after the Jesuit monk Kamelius Georg Joseph, who first brought it to Europe. In the wild, the plant grows in tropical, subtropical zones in countries such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, China, on the islands of Java, Sulawesi.

Surely the description of the camellia flower will be of interest to many florists. This beautiful plant is a shade-tolerant bush or tree, the height of which can vary between 2 - 20 m. Dull or pointed leaves have a simple, elliptical, broadly or oblong-ovate shape, leathery structure, glossy surface, short petioles. They are single, sequential. The length of the leaf plate is about 3 - 17 cm.

Getting an answer to the question of what a flower of a plant looks like is a must. Camellias form many single buds. The diameter of blooming flowers with numerous stamens can vary within: 1 - 12 cm. At the base, the petals are fused. Their color is pink, red, white, variegated.

Popular types of camellia

Modern breeders have bred numerous varieties, camellia hybrids, based on various plant varieties. Below are the most popular types.

camellia japonica


This variety is considered the most famous, often used in breeding events to breed indoor flowers. In the country rising sun this plant is revered on a par with the iconic sakura. The magnificent flower Japanese camellia (Camellia japonicaa) is cultivated as indoor, greenhouse, garden. It is often used as an interior decor, for making bouquets.

IN natural conditions the plant can have a height of 1.5 - 11 m. Caring for the Japanese camellia at home, you can count on getting a tree-like shrub with stems up to 1 m long, blooming in November - January. Semi-double, double spherical flowers may have white, pink, red colors. In hybrid specimens, the petals often have a spotted or striped color. Flowers form in leaf axils and cover the entire crown.

camellia sinensis


This variety also has another name - tea bush. The leaves of the plant are used to produce green, black, long leaf tea. Dried flowers are components of various aromatic additives.

If you are interested in the question of where the Chinese camellia (Camellia sinensis) grows, you can find out that the industrial cultivation of the plant is carried out by many countries: China, India, Kenya, Japan, Georgia, etc. Our state is also engaged in the cultivation of camellia tea (Krasnodar Territory). Indoors, its cultivation is carried out quite rarely.

mountain camellia


Mountain camellia (Camellia sasanqua) in nature grows on the islands of Kyushu, Okinawa (Japan). In a cool room, it is fashionable to observe its flowering in the period November - February. The species is often taken as a basis for breeding indoor, garden varieties. The plant forms single buds or rosettes with 2-3 flowers. The red camellia flower looks very impressive, also, the petals can be white or pink.

camellia saluyonskaya


This species is actively used in breeding cold-resistant varieties suitable for garden and greenhouse cultivation. A slightly branched shrub reaches a height of 1.5 m. Large flowers (8 cm in diameter) gradually bloom on it, the color of which can be snow-white, pink, dark red, burgundy. Saluyon camellia (Camellia saluenensis) is considered the most unpretentious of garden plants of his family.



Camellia oleifera

The cultivation of this evergreen tree with a height of about 10 m is practiced in the Chinese mountainous areas. Large seeds of the camellia oil (Camellia oleifera) flower are formed in a large fruit box. For single bisexual or paired axillary flowers, the presence of a white color is characteristic.

Indoor camellia: cultivation and reproduction

As practice shows, home care for a camellia flower, which is quite capricious, will be very successful if a number of rules are followed. To master the skills of growing such a plant is quite within the power of any grower.

Requirements for location, lighting

So that the home maintenance of camellia does not cause problems, you will initially need to decide on the most successful place to install a pot with a plant.


For this purpose, it is worth giving preference to windows oriented to the west or east. Camellia also feels great in the winter garden, greenhouse, on a glazed loggia.

An inexperienced florist caring for and propagating a camellia flower should take into account that the plant (especially in the first year after planting) does not like moving, turning the flowerpot, being exposed to direct sunlight, and drafts.

Bought or donated new flower it is necessary to withstand 2 weeks in a shaded cool room, and then transfer to a permanent sunny place, where the temperature will be maintained, not exceeding + 16 ° C.

In the summer, the plant is allowed to be exposed to fresh air with obligatory shading. Beautiful flower camellia in a pot will show good growth, bud development in diffused light lasting 12 - 14 hours per day. In the cold season, it is worth providing camellias with additional illumination.

Temperature regime for the plant

During the laying of flower buds, it is necessary to provide for maintaining a temperature of + 5 ... + 6 ° C. The plant will show the best flowering at + 8 ... + 12 ° C. In the dormant phase, camellia tolerates temperatures + 20 ... + 25 ° C.

Organization of watering camellia


When deciding how to care for a camellia flower, you will need to ensure that it is regularly watered using settled water. During budding, flowering, irrigation is carried out immediately after the drying of the upper soil layer is detected. It is very important to prevent stagnant water, acidification of the earth. In the dormant stage, moderate watering should be dispensed with.

To increase the humidity of the air on hot days, it is recommended to spray the bush twice a day. Also pouring water into the pan has proven itself well. Justified will be the installation of the pot in a container filled with moistened gravel, moss, sand or pebbles.

The plant likes water acidified with lemon juice, vinegar. With a lack of moisture, the bush is able to shed its leaves. Excessively abundant irrigation can provoke a situation where the leaves and stems of camellias turn brown. Subsequently, flowers and buds may fall off the plant. If the situation is not corrected, the flower will die.

Soil quality for crop


Camellia is very demanding on the quality of the soil. She feels best when planted in acidic soil with a pH level in the range of 3 - 5. The use of a soil substrate for azaleas has proven itself well. Self-preparation of the soil mixture involves the use of turf (1 share), sand (1 share), peat (2 shares), leafy soil (2 shares).

Transplanted shoots are best placed in a flowerpot filled with a substrate with the following composition: sand (0.5 shares), peat (1 share), coniferous soil (2 shares). Drainage should be provided at the bottom of the landing tank.

Performing top dressing camellia

Camellia reacts positively to organic fertilizers. In the autumn-spring period, monthly application of liquid dressings is practiced. During budding, flowering, this event is performed 2 times a month. For camellias, it is advisable to purchase ready-made fertilizers suitable for orchids, azaleas.



Pinching and pruning the plant

In order to prevent crushing of flowers, pinch the buds, leaving a maximum of 2 copies per branch.

IN autumn time the plant is pruned. Damaged, weak shoots are removed from him. This activates the formation of axillary buds.

The procedure for transplanting to another pot

Camellia undergoes an annual transplant for the first 3 years, and an adult, well-flowering bush - every 2 years. A similar procedure is carried out after the flowers wither in spring or summer, while pinching the apical sections of the shoots.

Reproduction of camellia in different ways

When propagating the camellia flower, it is advisable to give preference to the cutting method.

To get high-quality planting material, you need to trim the apical shoots that have formed over the current season. The recommended length of the cuttings is 6-8 cm, they should have 4-5 leaves. An oblique cut over the axillary kidney is practiced.

The optimal months for vegetative breeding of a plant are January, July-August. The rooting of summer seedlings will take about 2 months, winter seedlings will form a root system over a longer period.

The cuttings are planted in boxes filled with a mixture of peat (1 share), sand (1 share). The containers are to be installed in a bright room with the temperature maintained at + 20 ... + 23 ° C, the soil is moistened by spraying. Germinated specimens are determined in pots with a diameter of 7 - 8 cm.


Florists with experience practice growing camellias from seeds to simultaneously obtain a large number of young bushes. As part of this procedure, each seed is sown in a separate container. The 2 true leaves that have appeared are a signal of the need for picking plants into a larger container.

It is worth noting that often flower shops may offer a mixture of seeds of various varieties for sale. In order not to subsequently encounter a solution to the problem of how to care for camellia mix, you will first need to carefully read the information published on the package. The choice of planting material of a certain variety, hybrid is considered preferable.

Garden camellia: care features


Experienced florists are sure that keeping a camellia flower in the garden is guaranteed not to be problematic for a person who has studied the appropriate agricultural techniques. A young plant is transplanted in open ground conditions every two years, an adult culture is transferred to a new place with a frequency of 5-7 years.

In landscape design, the garden curly camellia flower is mainly used. In regions with a severe winter period for growth in open field many small varieties have been bred. In anticipation of frost, they are transplanted into flowerpots and transferred indoors.

Diseases, crop pests

Unfortunately, camellia in the open field, like indoor flower, often becomes the object of attack by pests such as aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, worms, spider mites, thrips.

The appearance in the leaf axils, in the areas of the stems of a white, dense coating indicates the defeat of the plant by the mealybug. To get rid of the pest, it must be removed with a cotton swab, toothpicks, and then wipe the affected areas with a sponge dipped in a solution of laundry soap.

Due to aphids and scale insects, sooty spots begin to be visible on the plant - the black camellia looks very unpresentable. Heavily damaged specimens must be treated with specialized fungicides, insecticides. Blackened leaves must be removed.

Brown, gray spots on the leaves signal a fungal infection. Yellowing veins on the surface of the leaves indicate a mosaic virus. Having identified the disease in time, it is urgent to take up the treatment of the plant, because otherwise the decorative properties of the camellia will be lost for a long time, and sometimes the flower may even die.

Reward for patience and hard work