Camellia Winter Care Tips: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Though some types of camellia shrubs bloom in the colder months, making them perfect flowers for a vibrant winter garden, these plants may still need some protection throughout the season. Depending on where you live and the variety of camellia you have, you'll need to provide coverage for your plant to protect it from frost and freezing winds. In USDA hardiness zones 7 and higher, many types of camellias easily overwinter outdoors, as some can handle temperatures as cold as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. To know if you need to protect your plant throughout winter, check your local temperatures and recommendations for the kind of camellia shrub you're growing.

For those that live in extremely cold climates where temperatures dip much lower than freezing, you may be tempted to bring your potted camellia inside your home. Though this might seem helpful, these plants don't do well in warm and dry environments, and bringing them into your home may kill them. If you absolutely need to move your plant, a garage, shed, or other colder area is a better option. By keeping your plants safe from bitter temperatures in winter, you'll be able to grow thriving camellias.

If you tend to have colder winters, it's a good idea to protect the roots of your camellia shrub. This can be done with a layer of mulch about 3 inches thick. You might use chipped wood, pine needles, or straw to insulate the base of your plant. It's important to do this before the ground freezes to ensure you're keeping the cold away from your plant. This can be done to both potted camellias and your plants growing from the ground in your garden. Shrubs that are in containers will become colder faster, since the soil is above the ground, but you can further protect them by securing bubble wrap around the pot.

Very cold winds may also harm your camellia plant, but this can be combated with a covering. Horticultural fleece or burlap can be carefully draped over your shrub to add some protection against harsh winds. If you must move your camellia, be sure to set it in a spot with bright sunlight that is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Your shrubs will not need to be watered very often in the winter, but potted camellias should have moist soil. On the other hand, give outdoor plants a thorough watering right before freezing days. By taking care of your camellia plants through the winter, you can help them to continue thriving and producing gorgeous blossoms.