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Camellias in non ericaceous soil

clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
edited November 2023 in Plants
I have seen some established camellias (japonica I think) - growing in a neighbouring garden. They are about 6feet tall  and smothered in lovely blooms in spring and they are planted in the ground.

How might it be possible to grow healthy camellias in non-ericaceous soil? Is it possible to just add lots of ericaceous compost and leaf-mould? (Edit - typo)

I would like to de-pot my camellias if this is possible, but I don't have naturally ericaceous soil. Could I grow healthy camellias in the ground too?


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Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Maybe your soil is acidic?
    There are plenty of very healthy camellias around here and the soil is only very slightly acidic.
    If they're growing well locally, then the soil must be ok for them.
    You should get an idea of your soil type from here-
    https://www.landis.org.uk/development/soilscapes/

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    Thank you @Pete.8. I haven't tested my soil for ages, but I am growing mainly 'alkaline-loving' plants in the ground. Do you think that certain long-established trees could make the immediate soil more acidic? (I am wondering if this might be the case near the neighbouring camellias I see growing in the ground)?

    Thank you very much for the link - I will take a look.
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    They do fine in our area and our soil is naturally alkaline. I don't know how alkaline but everyone has pink hydrangeas. The only problem is yellowing leaves occassionally on some which I believe is iron related, so easily fixed. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I always assumed my soil was alkaline for some reason.
    But the above site indicates that my soil is slightly acidic clay-based, which makes sense.
    There are plenty of camellias locally, and hydrangeas are either pink or blue.
    Some are even pink one year and blue the next - so very borderline.
    Just put your postcode into the search and it will give info about the soil in your area.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    AFAIK build up of leaf litter, especially pine needles, can create an acidic humus-rich soil over time. Perhaps if you created a raised but bottomless planter filled with ericaceous compost, and keep it mulched with pine needle litter, you might be able to get away with Camellias in the ground. The fact your neighbours have got away with planting them in the ground suggests your soil is not strongly alkaline.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Mildly acidic clay here. Loads of camelias in the ground in local gardens. Don't grow them myself.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes if Camellias are growing well locally they will do ok for you too. You may need to apply a liquid mineral tonic once or twice a year if they show any signs of yellowing or other deficiency.  I grow on London clay and mine are OK. Unless your ground is really chalky you should be fine.
    AB Still learning

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I’ve got a mature Camellia growing in neutral, dry, sandy soil and sun.  It shouldn’t do well but it flowers profusely each year!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    The camellias here mostly did really well during last year's drought, even the ones in full sun, and we are in one of the dryer parts of the country. The thing they do need is enough moisture when setting the flower buds. 
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. It is really great to know camellias are flourishing throughout the land, without being in the typically 'acid soil'. It sounds as long as soil is not very much on the alkaline side of things, it may well be possible to grow them. 

    I definitely don't have chalky soil. Hydrangeas are pink to pinky mauve but mainly pink I think. 

    Thanks for all your help. The reason I asked was because my camellias are growing slowly and I would love to get them into the ground where they might really accelerate. (They are less than 3 foot at present). I would also like them to look more 'natural' as part of my 'woodland' area and for their overall health too, so they can be in touch with the network of mycelium in the ground.
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
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