What does a camellia look like?
As one of the top ten famous traditional Chinese flowers, camellias are deeply favored by horticulture enthusiasts for their unique floral posture and rich variety. This evergreen plant of the Theaceae family not only has a very high ornamental value, but its growth characteristics and cultivation techniques are also of considerable research value. This article will comprehensively analyze the characteristics of camellias from plant morphology to cultivation essentials.
Typical morphological features of camellias
Plant structure and growth form
Camellias belong to the small tree or shrub category, with mature plants reaching up to 9 meters in height. Their young branches have a smooth surface without hair, while the old branches are grayish-brown, and the crown is spread out in a conical shape. The leathery leaves are elliptical, 5-10 cm long, with a deep green and glossy upper surface and a light green lower surface, with fine and dense锯齿 edges.
Flower structure and flowering characteristics
Camellia flowers are terminal, typically in the red color range, with about 10 bracts and sepals arranged in a cup shape, with the outer petals round and enveloping. The blooming period lasts from October to the following May, with the peak flowering period from January to March. A single flower can reach a diameter of 15 cm and has a special texture of waxy petals.
Detailed explanation of camellia growth characteristics
Ecological habit requirements
Camellias are sun-loving plants, with the optimal growth temperature between 20-32°C, requiring shading to prevent damage from high temperatures above 35°C in summer. They require an air humidity of >70% and a loose and fertile acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) for cultivation. It is necessary to carry out 2-3 shaping prunings each year to maintain the plant shape.
Geographical distribution characteristics
With a cultivation history of over 1400 years in China, camellias are naturally distributed in the eastern monsoon area from Shandong to (T-W). They can overwinter outdoors in the Yangtze River Valley, while in the north, they require greenhouse care. The existing wild populations are mainly distributed in the Sichuan Basin, (T-W) central mountain ranges, and Jiangxi hilly areas.
Classification system of varieties
There are over 2000 camellia varieties worldwide, with classification standards including: 1. By the number of petals: single-petaled (5-7 petals), double-petaled (8-20 petals), and multi-petaled (>20 petals). 2. By flower type: 12 standard types include lotus type (outward petals), suberect type (stamen petalization), and crown type (multiple petal layers) and other special forms.
Key points in camellia cultivation practice
In the process of maintenance, special attention should be paid to the nutritional supplement during the spring shoot period and water control management during the flower bud differentiation period. For pot cultivation, it is recommended to use a mixed substrate of peat soil + perlite (3:1), and for ground cultivation, the soil acidity should be improved in advance. Regularly spraying chelated iron can prevent the occurrence of chlorosis.
By understanding the morphological characteristics and growth patterns of camellias, enthusiasts can better make variety selections and manage cultivation. This plant, which combines ornamental value and ecological benefits, will continue to bloom with unique charm in landscape gardening and home horticulture.