I agree too. Do not prune and fertilize lightly using Liquid Seaweed (available at Lowe's, etc) thru August.
Site selection - Most camellias grow and produce better
flowers in partial shade.
plants located in full sun often are less dormant during warm periods of the winter and may suffer damage if cold weather follows.
plants in a northern or western exposure of a building or fence or otherwise protected from intense morning sun will usually stand more cold weather than those in an eastern or southern exposure.
When planting into its new location,
* dig a hole at least two feet wider than the root ball
* leave soil in the center of the hole undisturbed to prevent settling
* place ball on column of soil. The top of ball should be slightly above soil level.
* fill the hole around the root ball with a mixture of topsoil and organic matter
* build a berm of soil around the
plant three feet in diameter to prevent water from running off
* mulch (2-4") with pine straw or other organic matter around the
plant* water well after planting and soak once a week during dry weather. Very critical during the bud producing months (May-July, more or less)
If you live in the South, apply slow-release fertilizers such as cottonseed meal every from March, June and August starting next year; otherwise fertilize in
spring and early summer. To prevent damage to tender new growth, discontinue fertilizing around August/September. Remember to water, fertilize and then water again.
plants will be showing
flower buds by the first part of July. Your camellia will probably need about a year to get established so do not worry about lack of
flowers or few
flowers.
Good luck,
