How to grow camellias in the ground?
If you want to know how to grow camellias in the ground and the important experience related to root care in flower planting, these are very useful tips, so it's recommended to save them for future reference!
Just as you must condition the water before raising fish, you must care for the roots before growing flowers. Once the roots are well cared for, camellias will naturally become lush and full of blooms. Therefore, to grow camellias well, we must understand their habits. As the saying goes, "Know yourself and your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat."
To provide a comfortable growth environment for camellia roots, when planting in the ground, avoid low-lying areas that accumulate water in spring to prevent root rot, and do not plant on small mounds above the ground level, as they can easily dry out due to low water retention in hot summers. Avoid using clayey soil and brick soil, as these heavy soils are not conducive to root growth. Instead, use garden soil, decomposed leaf soil, pine needle soil, weathered soil, or even pure yellow soil, and mix them if possible.
With good soil, the roots will grow well, and healthy roots will lead to lush leaves and abundant branches. Healthy and vigorous leaves help in the development of flower buds. Good roots and leaves make it easier to have a full bloom the following year.
Camellias prefer semi-shade, so it is essential to provide shade for ground-planted camellias during the hot summer. There is a difference between planting in a courtyard and commercial planting. Large-scale commercial planting can use shade nets, while courtyard planting can adopt a method of planting different heights, which is both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective.
How to grow camellias in the ground?
Since shading is mainly needed in the summer, the most ideal companion plants include crape myrtle, purple magnolia, cherry trees, peach trees, and plum trees. In autumn, when these trees shed their leaves, the increased sunlight benefits the growth and flowering of camellia trees. Although mild to moderate leaf burn will not kill the camellia tree, it can affect its normal growth and the development of flower buds, as well as its overall appearance, which is one of the purposes of shading.
Once the roots and leaves are well cared for, there is basically no problem with ground-planted camellias. Fertilize once before the spring buds appear, focusing on nitrogen-based fertilizer. Fertilize again when the flower buds are forming in autumn, using phosphorus-based fertilizer. No fertilizer should be applied during the blooming period. I generally do not apply any chemical fertilizers and instead sprinkle some wood ash or decomposed manure around the trees.
Disease and pests are very rare in ground-planted camellias. It is important to observe the plants regularly, especially when new buds appear, as they tend to attract pests. To ensure camellias thrive without any issues, water them thoroughly once a week during the summer, and there is no need to worry about watering during the other seasons.
To maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape, camellia trees can be pruned, controlled, and branches can be pulled to achieve the desired tree shape.
The above information on how to grow camellias in the ground and the importance of root care is provided by Green Enthusiast Network [www.lvzhimi.com] for reference and learning by netizens.