Camellias

Q. I have a camellia tree/bush that is blooming now. It is healthy but needs trimming. When is the proper time to trim and what is the proper method? Also can I root the trimmings? If so what method should I use - in water or directly into soil?

Camellias are similar to rhododendrons; they produce a mass of blooms and do not require major pruning. If you want to train a hedge plant 3' apart and regularly trim back the new growth each year in spring to encourage bushiness.

Like rhododendrons and azaleas remove spent blooms to promote further flowering and prevent energy going into seed production. For larger flowering varieties remove all the flower buds except the outward-facing buds to encourage larger blooms. Remember that flower buds are more swollen than leaf buds.

For reasonably dense foliage remove some of the longer stems to open up the plant and let in more light and air. This will encourage growth from lower down improving both health and flowering. If left plants tend to flower only at the top of the plant. Pruning of camellias should be done after blooming and before new growth begins.

Pruning camellias has not always been a common practice among growers. In the past plants had been allowed to grow freely. Pruning camellias can benefit both the plant and the flowers it produces. Also it can be done for the purposes of controlling insects and diseases. This pruning involves removing small branches and twigs that occur on limbs in the interior of the plant. The leaves of the small branches are a haven for scale and other pests. Thinning out allows for more efficient spray coverage. In addition air circulation is greatly improved which also helps prevent pests.

The best blooms are usually produced on vigorous plants. As plants get large there are more growing points and a larger number of flower buds are set per plant. The amount of shoot growth is reduced and the individual flowers tend to be smaller.

Pruning may be continued throughout the year in moderation however all pruning done after June will be removing flower buds for the upcoming season. A pocket knife pruning shears and a small pruning saw [all sharp and in good condition] are needed tools. Good sanitation is important so wash tools in a mixture of 1 part Clorox to 9 parts water. Do not lay the tools on the ground since this can spread harmful organisms to the cut surface of the plant. Give the plant a protective spray of a fungicide following pruning to prevent die-back fungus from entering the wounds.

To prune properly make the cut next to the trunk not leaving stumps. Remove weak twigs having only one terminal bud and no lateral shoot buds. Vigorous shoots will have 1-3 well-developed terminal leaf buds and lateral side ones. Cut out branches that tend to grow inward for they will be shaded in later years. Remove all dead and dying twigs.

When transplanting camellias 1/3 to 1/2 of the bush should be removed. The actual amount removed should be in proportion to the amount of root loss during transplanting. This will restore balance to the plant since some roots are lost by being cut off or injured in transplanting.

Healthy vigorous stems can be propagated in sand placed in a tray and covered for protection. Use the softer new growth for speediest root growth. Stick the stem ends about 2-3" deep to anchor the branch. Apply Rootone to the cut end and monitor the moisture of the sand. When well-rooted transplant into your garden but keep covered for several weeks to acclimate the stems to your conditions.