Reticulated camellia (Camellia reticulata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Reticulated camellia on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Theaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Reticulated camellia
Camellia reticulata, also known as "tō-tsubaki", is an ornamental shrub or small tree highly valued for its spectacular and large flowers, which can reach up to 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter. Native to China, its petals often have a crinkled texture and come in colors ranging from pale pink to deep red. It is an ideal plant for shaded gardens, as a specimen plant, or for creating flowering hedges.
Native range
Southwest China
Care tips
It requires a location with partial shade or filtered light, avoiding direct exposure to strong afternoon sun. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and active growth. It prefers acidic, well-drained, and organic-rich soils. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to bud drop.
How to save a dying Reticulated camellia
- Warning signs
- Leaves falling without reason, yellowing veins, black shoots, no flowering or bud drop.
- First aid
- Check soil pH (needs acidic), water with soft water, protect from strong direct sun and wind.
- What kills it
- Hard water, alkaline soil, waterlogging or extreme drought, intense direct sun, late frosts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. Act quickly by correcting soil pH and watering for recovery.