Leonard Messel Camellia Camellia 'Leonard Messel' (reticulata × (× williamsii))

Water

Camellia 'Leonard Messel' requires consistent moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. In general, watering once a week with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice, but this frequency may need to increase during hot, dry weather or if the plant is in a container. It is best to water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and instead use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.

Light

Camellia 'Leonard Messel' thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. It prefers a spot that is protected from the harsh afternoon sun but receives bright, indirect light for the majority of the day. An ideal location would be under the canopy of tall trees that provide filtered light or on the north or east side of a building where it can enjoy morning light without being exposed to intense afternoon rays.

Temperature

Camellia 'Leonard Messel' is best suited for temperate regions with temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimal dips below 40 degrees but should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures. During hot spells, ensure adequate mulching and watering to help maintain cooler root temperatures. Ideal growing conditions would include moderate, stable temperatures without extreme fluctuations.

Pruning

Camellia 'Leonard Messel' should be pruned for shaping, removing dead or weak branches, and promoting healthy growth. The best time to prune is just after the blooming season in late winter or early spring since camellias set their flower buds for the next year shortly after blooming. Light pruning each year will help maintain the desired shape and encourage vigorous growth, but extensive pruning should be done sparingly and only when necessary.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Camellias require acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 that is well-draining, rich in organic matter. A mix containing 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part pine bark is ideal for proper growth and bloom.

Repotting

Leonard Messel camellias should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot, preferably in the spring after flowering has finished.

Humidity & Misting

Leonard Messel camellias thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, to mimic their natural humid woodland habitats.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, keep soil moist.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Leonard Messel camellia begins its life as a seed, which germinates in a warm, moist environment, developing a radicle that grows into a root system and a shoot that emerges from the soil. The seedling gradually matures into a young plant with a set of true leaves, utilizing photosynthesis for growth. Over several years, the juvenile plant advances to a mature shrub, characterized by glossy, evergreen leaves and woody stems. The Leonard Messel camellia reaches reproductive maturity and begins its flowering stage, typically from late winter to spring, producing showy, fragrant pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant develops seed pods, which eventually dry and release seeds, continuing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the camellia may undergo periods of dormancy during colder months, only to resume active growth with the return of warmer, favorable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Camellia 'Leonard Messel', a hybrid camellia, is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most effectively carried out in late summer after the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. Cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches in length with several leaves are taken and the lower one-third to one-half of the leaves are removed. The cut end is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is inserted into a well-draining potting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cuttings, often achieved by placing a plastic cover over the pots. Cuttings typically root within 6 to 12 weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually potted on as individual plants.