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By Joanne K, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Extension Office One of the first surprises for Northerners moving South is the sight of beautiful flowers blooming in January. One of the best is the beloved camellia with cultivars whose bloom times span the seasons from early fall into late spring adding vibrant color to the landscape. Their flowers are also important providers of nectar for bees when little else is blooming. More than 1000 years ago, wild species of this evergreen native of southeastern Asia were selected and bred by the Chinese and Japanese to develop the cultivars grown today. With more than 200 species and thousands of cultivars worldwide, the most common ones grown in eastern NC can be divided into two groups based on bloom time.
Fragrant Camellia sasanqua blooms from September through December. Its flowers are single or semi-double in pink, white, or a combination of the two. While smaller than the japonica flower, it sports more blooms. Sasanqua tolerates more sun than other camellias but does best with afternoon shade.
Camellia japonica may bloom as early as October and end in March. Its flowers may be single, semi-double, double, formal double, or full peony form. Colors range from pure white, pink, and red to color variations. Japonica grows best in dappled shade. Camellias are slow growers, but heavy feeders. According to NC State Extension, the time to fertilize camellias is after they finish blooming in March and April and before they put out new growth.  Camellia japonica 'Grace Albritton', skdavidson, CC BY-SA 2.5 In May, an optional application can be applied. Finally, in early July, fertilizer can be applied again to promote bud development. Don't fertilize after July to avoid promoting new growth that could be damaged by cold weather.
Look for slow-release fertilizers for acid-loving plants like camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Before applying, clear the mulch back to the drip line—that's the farthest point to which the plant's branches extend. This is where water drips off the leaves into the shallow feeder roots that absorb the nutrients feeding the plant. Follow the label instructions and apply it directly on top of the soil. After that, water thoroughly to allow it to reach the roots. The mulch can then be raked back in place. Leaving the mulch in place when fertilizing reduces its effectiveness. Camellias bloom on old wood. Be careful to prune shortly after the plant finishes flowering to avoid cutting off the buds for next year's flowers. Pruning is done to shape and control the size of the shrubs. Diseased, dead, or damaged branches can be cut back at any time. Camellias are susceptible to a variety of insects, diseases, and plant problems. Scale is a common insect problem. Aphids and spider mites may be problems. Various fungal diseases can also plague camellias. Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a fact sheet detailing common camellia diseases and insect pests at https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/camellia-diseases-insect-pests/ Gardeners can also contact the Pitt County Master Gardener Information Line for help at 252-902-1700. At the Pitt County Arboretum, camellias grow in the Perennial Border and the Walking Garden. In Manteo, NC, the Elizabethan Gardens feature more than 85 varieties of camellias encircling the Great Lawn. Beginning in the fall and continuing into spring, this gorgeous display of color with a wide variety of flower shapes and sizes is well worth a trip to Manteo. https://www.outerbanks.org/things-to-do/museums-and-historic-sites/the-elizabethan-gardens/ For more information NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: https://emgintranet.ces.ncsu.edu/ A Gardener's Guide to Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs: https://eit-wagpress-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/a-gardeners-guide-to-fertilizing-trees-and-shrubs.pdf
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