Camelias

Meomye · 29 January

My potted Camelias are starting to bud, should I be feeding them yet?

Fire · 29 January

It's usually advised to feed after flowering. If it's not in a pot it may well not need feeding.

https://www.pyracantha.co.uk/when-and-what-to-feed-camellias/

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-camellias/

Meomye · 30 January

Thank you @Fire, very interesting.

Fairygirl · 30 January

I've never fed a Camellia, but I wouldn't need to grow them in pots here. However, in a pot, you'd really just refresh the soil mix regularly rather than using much in the way of a feed.
I expect those slow release mixes might be useful, but it's more important to ensure enough water in late summer when new flower buds are forming. That's always more difficult with a container, especially with a mature specimen where rain doesn't get through the canopy so easily, and it's why a good soil based mix is needed which won't dry out so easily , if you're in a drier, hotter area. The right container helps in that regard too, and the right site for it.

Meomye · 30 January

Thank you @Fairygirl, would it be ok to replace the top few inches of soil now that they are in bud?

Fairygirl · 30 January

I can't see it being a problem. I usually do that kind of thing when conditions are favourable, so it's normally much later than this time of year, but it won't really matter. Just gently take away the top inch or two, so that you're not affecting the top layer of roots, and add some new soil/compost.
Bark is also a good addition as a mulch, and sets off any of those types of shrubs - rhodos, azaleas etc. It will also break down over time and add to the mix.

Meomye · 30 January

@Fairygirl, thank you.

Camelias

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