Williamsii Camellia Camellia × williamsii 'Les Jury'

Water

Williamsii camellias, including the 'Les Jury' variety, need to be watered deeply to encourage root growth but should not be left in soggy soil. They should be watered once a week, with adjustments made for rainfall and seasonal temperature changes. In general, applying 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per square foot every week during the growing season is ideal. In the winter, you can reduce watering frequency due to cooler temperatures and potential rain. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Williamsii camellias such as 'Les Jury' thrive best in partial shade to filtered sunlight. They should be planted in a spot that receives morning light but is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Dappled sunlight beneath the canopy of tall trees is particularly suitable. It's important to avoid deep shade as it may result in fewer blooms, and to protect the plant from strong winds which can damage the blooms and foliage.

Temperature

Williamsii camellias, including the 'Les Jury' variety, are hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F. However, their ideal growing temperature range is between 40°F and 85°F, where they perform optimally. They can withstand brief drops below freezing, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold can be damaging. It is also important to protect camellias from hot, dry winds which can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Williamsii camellias like 'Les Jury' is primarily done to shape the plant, remove any dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation. Prune the plant right after it finishes blooming to avoid cutting off next year's flower buds. Typically, it would be in late spring or early summer. Thinning out dense growth can also allow more light to reach the inner parts of the plant, promoting healthier growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Williamsii Camellia prefers acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mixture of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or sand in equal parts creates an ideal environment for root growth. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Williamsii Camellias require repotting every 2-3 years. It’s important to refresh the acidic soil mix and prune roots lightly if they are becoming pot-bound. Best time to repot is after flowering, in spring or early summer.

Humidity & Misting

Williamsii Camellia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%. In dry indoor environments, the use of a humidifier or regular misting can help meet the humidity requirements of the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity for indoor Williamsii Camellia.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, & protect from cold winds for outdoor Williamsii Camellia.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Camellia × williamsii 'Les Jury', commonly known as the Williamsii camellia, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in a suitable environment with moist, well-drained acidic soil and partial shade. After sprouting, the seedling goes through a period of growth where it develops a root system and foliage, becoming an immature plant. As it matures, the camellia enters a vegetative stage, during which it grows larger and produces evergreen leaves. Once it has reached maturity, which can take several years, the camellia enters the flowering phase, typically blooming in winter to spring with large, showy flowers that may range in color from white to pink and red. After pollination, which can involve insects or manual assistance, the plant produces fruit in the form of seed capsules that, once mature, open to release seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the Williamsii camellia can be pruned to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Camellia × williamsii 'Les Jury', commonly known as 'Les Jury' camellia, is typically propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is often carried out during the late summer when the plant has finished its main flush of growth and the current season's growth is beginning to mature. A 4 to 6 inch cutting is taken with a clean, sharp pair of pruners. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot with well-draining soil or a mix of peat and perlite. To retain moisture and create a humid environment, the pot can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. The cutting is kept out of direct sunlight but in a warm location until roots have established, which usually takes several weeks or even months.