Camellia

fbg40 | 11:29 Thu 07th Mar 2019 | Gardening

13 Answers

Morning all,
Have a Camellia in a large pot in my garden, had it for approximately 3 years but it has never flowered. Looks healthy and had several new leaves. Does anybody have any idea why it hasn't flowered please ??
Many thanks
FBG40

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spathiphyllum

What kind of position is the plant in? Direct sunlight? Well drained soil? Does it bud?

hc4361

Depends on the variety - some don't flower until they are at least five years old

maggiebee

Mine took a couple of years to flower when it was in a pot. I have since moved it into the garden. They like ericaceous compost and I feed mine with Miracle-Gro Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron Liquid Plant Food. Last couple of years I have had loads of flowers. Maybe top up the compost and give it a feed fgb?

ladybirder

Does not like the morning sun so make sure it's facing east.

KARL

Camellias do seem to take a while to "mature", settle in or something because they often fail to blossom for the first years after (re)planting. Then as the become more established they often/usually become more luxuriant year after year. My guess would be it has something to do with establishing a really robust root system.

Maybe the morning sun thing (ladybirder) is part of the explanation so if that is true then to avoid the morning sun the plant should face west. We have some literally facing north and they are glorious nowadays (many years old) but on the other hand I have seen lots that face south and am also impressed by their shows.

rowanwitch

Try giving it some extra frost protection and feed with a high potash feed just once in early autumn as it sets it's flower buds really early.

fbg40

Question Author

Many thanks for all the answers/suggestions folks. Will certainly take all on board.
FBG40

Chipchopper

Good morning,
I wouldn't give up on it, as camellias do seem to bloom in they're own good time.
Above all, it should do better if the pot is placed in a sheltered position away from frost.
Well drained acidic soil is best, kept well watered but not sodden.

ladybirder

I've found this article which proves my NOT facing East point but also gives lots of interesting and useful information about growing Camellias.
"A north-facing wall, in a sheltered courtyard, will be ideal. Avoid a position, such as an east-facing wall, where early sun may catch frost- bound blooms and brown them off."
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/gardening-camellias-all-or-nothing-1150093.html