Do you like camellias? They are shrubs or small trees that adapt very well to always living in pots, although if possible, it is interesting to plant them on the ground to enjoy them in the garden. There are different varieties and many cultivars being those that produce pink flowers some of the most popular.
Indeed, The pink camellia is a plant that is most commonly cultivated, and the color of its petals makes the area in which it is grown very special.. Now, do you know how to take care of it? If you have doubts, don't worry. Here we explain how to do it.
Pink Camellia Care Guide
The pink camellia is an evergreen shrub that grows between 1 and 2 meters in height. It develops several stems or trunks which are up to eight inches thick once they mature in the ground (if they are potted, they stay thinner). The leaves are simple, a glossy dark green color which is really pretty. But without a doubt, what stands out the most are its flowers when they sprout in spring.
And to get it to bloom every year, it is important that we make sure that all its needs - water, nutrients, space to grow, light - are covered.
Location
It is a plant that needs a lot of light to growIn fact, in its natural habitat (China, Japan) it grows in full sun. It can also be grown like this in humid climates and with temperatures that are not too extreme, as is the case in northwestern Spain.
However in the Mediterranean region, although the environmental humidity can also be very high, the degree of sunshine and the temperatures in summer (35, 38, 41ºC depending on the area) can cause a lot of damage. Therefore, in these places it is grown in shade.
Y in the other provinces that have low humidity, it is also recommended to keep it in the shade, especially during the summer, otherwise its leaves would dehydrate quickly.
Earth
We are talking about an acid plant, that is, it only grows on land with a very low calcium content, with a pH between 4 and 6. If we take this into account, we must know that:
- If you want to plant in the garden, first we must make sure that it has an ideal pH. This can be done with a soil pH meter, such as this for example, inserting it into it. Another option is to see what is planted in the gardens of our neighborhood, because if camellias, azaleas, gardenias, heathers, Japanese maples or other acid plants, it is very likely that we can also do it. In addition, this soil must have good drainage, since the camellia does not grow well in heavy soils.
- If you want or have to keep it in a pot because you don't have a garden or because its soil is clay, it will be planted in a substrate for acid plants of the Flower brand as this, or with coconut fiber that also has a low pH and of which we leave you a video so that you know more about it:
Irrigation
Since it is an acid plant, It should only be irrigated with rainwater, or with tap water whenever it can be drunk. (this usually happens only in areas where it rains frequently).
In other places, such as the Balearic Islands, we have to lower the pH of the water with lemon or vinegar, since it is so high (7-8) that if we watered the pink camellia with that water, it would end up with iron chlorosis, that is, its leaves would turn yellow. If the water that comes out of the tap is alkaline, with a lot of lime, you also have to lower the pH.
To do this, you first have to know what the current pH is, using a meter such as this. Thus, once introduced into the water you will know. And then, you have to add a little natural lemon juice or vinegar. Take measurements every time you add it, because the pH should not drop below 4.
If we talk about how often the camellia should be watered, it will depend a lot on the weather. But in general it is watered about 3 times a week during the summer, and weekly the rest of the year.
Subscriber
It is a plant that must be paid in spring and summer with a acid Plant Fertilizer, as this. The instructions on the package will be followed, otherwise there would be a high risk of overdose and also death.
Transplant
Its growth rate is slow, but still, if it is grown in a pot, it must be transplanted after 3 or 4 years. And if you want to plant it in the ground, you have to do it when it has rooted well before in the pot, something that we will know if it has been going for more than 2 years, and if we try to get it out of it, taking it from the base of the trunk and pulling it upwards.
In the event that the soil or root ball does not fall apart, then we can plant it in the garden if the soil is suitable. But for it you have to wait for spring to come.
Rusticity
Camellias resist frost up to -10 ° C.
What do pink camellias mean?
Humans associate colors with the emotions they make us feel, and with the use that has been given to them over the centuries. In the case of flowers, those of the pink camellias are associated with the desire to be with that special person whom we love. Therefore, we could also say that they are associated with love.
Now, it is also an excellent idea to give a plant to a very dear family member, since it is a way of telling them how much we care.
What uses is it given?
the pink camellia It is kept as an ornamental plant in gardens, patios and terraces., often as a low hedge, but also as a small tree. In addition, it grows very well in a pot, so you can have it practically wherever you want.
On the other hand, it is sometimes worked as bonsai.
What do you think of the pink camellia? I hope you liked it as much as we did and you are encouraged to cultivate it.