General: The camellia is native to Japan and Korea and grows here as an upright shrub or small tree with a height of 4 meters. In mild regions, however, it can also reach a height of up to 10 meters. The camellia is evergreen and has tough and elegantly shiny leaves. The special thing about the plant species is its splendid bloom from the end of February to mid-May. In the course of time, many varieties have been bred here, the flowers of which differ in shape, color and size. The wood of the camellia is very hard and the bark is smooth.
Care as a bonsai: Camellias are popular bonsai in Japan because of their magnificent flowers and noble glossy leaves. With us, because of their sensitivity to frost, they tend to belong to the indoor bonsai, although they are also very good outdoors in summer. Here the camellia prefers a partially shaded, sheltered place without great fluctuations in temperature and humidity. In the main growing season, care should be taken to ensure uniform irrigation and regular fertilization. Since the camellia prefers acidic soil, it is best to water with low-lime rainwater and fertilize with a fertilizer for bog plants. A correspondingly low pH value should also be ensured for the soil (e.g. TerraSai-Rhodo). Camellias are repotted every two to three years in June or July after the fresh shoots have developed. In winter quarters, the plant should be frost-free and in spring the temperature should not rise too early here. Basically, camellias should be kept cool during the flowering period.
Special features of the varieties: ‘Bonomiana‘ - flowers white or pink with delicate red stripes, good winter hardiness ‘Chamaeleon‘ - red and white flower ‘Nobilissima‘ - flowers white from January, good winter hardiness ‘Mrs Tingley‘ – flowers pink
