Williamsii Camellia Camellia × williamsii 'Joan Trehane'

Water

The Williamsii camellia requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out, particularly in the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During hotter months or in very dry conditions, you may need to water more frequently. In the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil become completely dry. It is vital to use a well-draining soil to prevent root rot from over-watering.

Light

Williamsii camellias thrive in partial shade with protection from intense afternoon sun. The ideal spot is one where they receive filtered sunlight or only direct morning light. Too much direct sun can lead to leaf scorch, while too little can cause poor flowering. A northern or eastern-facing position that is shaded by a tree canopy or a structure is often suitable for these plants.

Temperature

The Williamsii camellia favors moderate temperatures and can generally survive in USDA zones 7 to 9. They can handle temperatures down to about 10°F and up to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is between 60°F to 75°F. They may suffer from cold damage below 10°F or heat stress above 85°F.

Pruning

Prune Williamsii camellias lightly after blooming to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Cut back just above a set of leaves, removing any dead or weak wood, as well as inward-growing branches to improve air circulation. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed when the plant becomes too dense. The best time for pruning is in spring, just after the flowering period subsides.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Williamsii Camellia, including 'Joan Trehane', thrives in acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A well-draining soil mix composed of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part pine bark is ideal to ensure good aeration and moisture retention.

Repotting

The Williamsii Camellia should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and replenish the soil nutrients. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

The Williamsii Camellia benefits from moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Consistency in humidity helps to keep the foliage healthy and encourages robust growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit area, away from direct sunlight, water when topsoil dries.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, protect from strong winds, mulch roots annually.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The camellia 'Joan Trehane', a hybrid plant, begins its life cycle when seeds are formed after fertilization, though camellias are often propagated through cuttings for genetic consistency. The seed or cutting enters a period of dormancy until environmental conditions trigger germination or rooting, typically in moist, well-draining soil under partial shade. Once germinated, the plant slowly develops a root system and foliage during its juvenile stage, demanding consistent moisture and protection from extreme temperatures. As it matures into its adult stage, the camellia 'Joan Trehane' starts producing buds that bloom into large, showy flowers typically in late winter to spring, ranging in color from white to pink, around 3 years after planting. The plant enters a maintenance stage, with yearly cycles of growth and blooming, requiring pruning to maintain shape and encourage airflow, as well as fertilization for optimal health. Over many years, it can become quite large and may eventually reach the end of its lifecycle, which can be several decades, before it slows its growth and eventually dies.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Camellia × williamsii 'Joan Trehane', also known simply as Camellia, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This typically occurs in late summer to early autumn. To propagate, a healthy, semi-ripe cutting about 3-5 inches (approximately 7.6-12.7 centimeters) long is taken from the current season's growth. The lower leaves are carefully removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The pot should be kept in a warm place, out of direct sunlight, and the medium should be kept moist but not wet. After a few weeks to months, when roots have formed, the cutting can be potted in a larger container with standard camellia potting mix to continue growing into a new plant.