Do camellias like acidic soil? Here’s what you need to know. Camellias are pretty flowering shrubs that come in many colors, such as white, pink, red, and yellow. Camellias are beautiful plants that look great in any garden because they have pretty flowers and glossy, evergreen leaves. Camellias, on the other hand, need certain kinds of soil to grow well. One question that camellia gardeners often have is if the plants can handle acidic soil. To help you give your camellia the best growing conditions, this in-depth article will look at the soil they like best.
Why Do Camellias Prefer Acidic Soil?
Plants called camellias evolved in Asian forests where the soil is usually acidic. Over time, they changed so that they do best in slightly acidic soil. Because of a few main things, camellias do best in acidic soil:
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Acidic soils contain more available nutrients. In acidic soil, nutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese are easier for plant roots to get to. This ensures camellias have plenty of essential nutrients.
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It prevents nutrient deficiencies At higher pH levels, camellias may not be able to properly take up nutrients like iron. This leads to chlorosis, or yellowing leaves Acidic soils keep nutrients available.
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Camellias do well in acidic soil that is similar to the soil they would find in their natural habitat, because they are used to that type of soil.
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Lowers disease risk. Very acidic soils can increase the chance of phytophthora root rot. The ideal pH range prevents this while still providing enough acidity.
What is the Optimal Acidic pH Range for Camellias?
While camellias can tolerate a wider range of pH levels, they do best when soil pH is slightly acidic between 6.0-6.5. This pH range provides the right balance of acidity and nutrient availability for healthy camellias. They can adapt to pH levels ranging from 5.0-7.0, but the most ideal conditions will be within that 6.0-6.5 sweet spot.
How to Tell if Your Soil is Too Alkaline for Camellias
It’s important to monitor soil pH regularly to ensure it stays in the proper acidic range. Here are a few signs your soil may be too alkaline:
- Yellowing leaves
- Small flowers
- Lackluster blooms
- Leggy, weak growth
- Increased disease problems
- Leaf scorching
Consistently high pH above 7.0 will eventually lead to declining health and poor performance. Testing pH yearly and making adjustments is key.
How to Make Soil More Acidic for Camellias
If soil tests reveal pH is too high for camellias, there are several effective methods to lower pH:
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Incorporate acidic organic matter like pine needles or oak leaves into the soil. As they decompose, the pH will drop.
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Use elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate amendments following package instructions. They gradually lower pH over time.
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Switch to an acidic fertilizer made for acid-loving plants like camellias. This will help maintain proper pH.
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Replace alkaline tap water with collected rain water which has a naturally lower pH when watering.
With monitoring and amendments, you can successfully cultivate the mildly acidic soil conditions that camellias prefer.
What is the Best Soil Type for Growing Camellias?
Camellias grow well in a range of soil textures including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the ideal soil for camellias has these characteristics:
- Moderately acidic pH between 6.0-6.5
- Rich in organic matter such as compost
- Well-drained but still moisture retentive
- High fertility and nutrient levels
Adding compost or leaf mold to your soil provides organic matter that camellias thrive in. Proper drainage is also key to prevent root rot. With the right acidic soil environment, camellias will flourish.
Container Growing Camellias
If the soil in your garden isn’t suitable, camellias can be successfully grown in containers. Use a quality potting mix formulated for acid-loving plants. A peat-based mix amended with compost works well. Repot every 2-3 years with fresh potting mix to maintain an ideal pH. Container growing allows you to cultivate camellias even in alkaline garden soil.
The Bottom Line
Camellias strongly prefer mildly acidic soil conditions similar to their native forest habitats. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0-6.5 for best results. Check pH regularly and correct as needed to maintain the optimal acidity. With the right acidic soil environment, your camellias will thrive and flourish with beautiful blooms year after year. Proper soil care is key to growing vibrant, flowering camellia plants.
Where to grow camellias
Camellias do best in dappled shade or full shade. An area that gets morning shade is best as direct sun in the morning can dry out the developing flower buds too quickly. Choose a sheltered spot, as an exposed, windy position is likely to cause leaf and flower damage.
How to grow a camellia in a pot
Camellias grow well in pots and this is a good option if you don’t have acidic soil in your garden. Use a soil-based, peat-free ericaceous compost mix and a pot that is at least 30cm wide.
Before you start, water the camellia thoroughly (ideally with rainwater) in its original pot. Ensure the roots are fully saturated and allow to drain. Move your intended pot to its final position before planting it up as it may become heavy.
Make sure there are plenty of holes in the base of your pot and add crocks to improve drainage. Fill your pot about two-thirds full with ericaceous compost, leaving enough room for your plant.
Make a hollow in the compost big enough for your camellia’s rootball and place it in the pot.
Position the plant centrally in the pot with the top of its rootball about 5cm below the rim. Fill in around the roots with compost and push down with your fingers. Water well and allow to drain.
Camellias are slow-growing plants so don’t need to be repotted often, but it’s best to do this before the plant gets visibly pot bound. Repot in spring, into fresh compost.
Fertilizing Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendrons
FAQ
What is the best fertilizer for camellias?
The American Camellia Society recommends using some cottonseed meal, although a general purpose slow release NPK Ratio 10-10-10 fertilizer will also work well. Apply a dusting of the fertilizer and then water. Camellia roots are fibrous and are close to the topsoil, so don’t try to mix the fertilizer with the soil.
Why are my camellia leaves turning yellow and dropping off?
The most common camellia pests are aphids, scale insects and spider mites, which can also cause yellowing of the leaves on the plant. May 15, 2025.
Where should you not plant a camellia?
Do not plant where shade trees with shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water.