When considering where to plant a camellia, it is important to keep in mind that they thrive in part shade. This means that they do not tolerate full sun exposure throughout the day. While they can handle some direct sunlight, it is best to protect them from certain situations to ensure their optimal growth and blooming.
One situation to avoid is planting a camellia in an area that receives early morning sun. This is because the sun’s rays can be intense during this time and can potentially scorch the delicate blooms of the camellia, especially if they are still covered in dew. The combination of the sun’s heat and the moisture on the petals can lead to damage or browning of the blooms. To protect the camellia, it is advisable to plant it in a location where it will be shielded from the direct morning sun, such as under the canopy of a tree or on the east side of a building.
Similarly, it is important to protect camellias from the direct hot afternoon sun during the summer months. The intense heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause stress to the plant and lead to sunburned leaves or scorched flowers. To prevent this, it is recommended to plant camellias in an area that offers some shade during the hottest part of the day. This could be achieved by planting them near taller shrubs or trees that provide dappled shade or by creating a shade structure using materials like shade cloth or pergolas.
In my own experience as a gardener, I have seen the negative effects of planting camellias in areas with too much sun exposure. I once planted a camellia near a south-facing wall, thinking it would receive enough shade from the nearby trees. However, the afternoon sun reflecting off the wall proved to be too intense for the camellia, and its leaves started to turn yellow and brown. I quickly realized my mistake and transplanted the camellia to a more shaded location in my garden, where it thrived and produced beautiful blooms once again.
Camellias should not be planted in areas where they will be exposed to the early morning sun, which can scorch their dew-soaked blooms. They should also be protected from the direct hot afternoon sun during the summer months to prevent stress and damage to the plant. By providing them with a part shade environment, camellias can flourish and reward you with their stunning flowers.
