Camellia 'November Pink' Camellia × williamsii 'November Pink'

Water

Williams camellias, including the 'November Pink', should be watered deeply to saturate the root zone, and then allowed to slightly dry out before watering again. Generally, they require 1-1.5 gallons of water per square foot of root spread about once a week, although this frequency should be increased during dry spells or hot weather. During the winter months, watering can be reduced. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture.

Light

Williams camellias like 'November Pink' thrive in partial shade but can tolerate some morning sun. A spot that offers protection from the hot afternoon sun is ideal, such as a location that receives dappled light through a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building. They should not be placed in full shade as this could affect the flowering and overall vigor of the plant.

Temperature

Camellias, such as the 'November Pink', prefer a temperate climate and are hardy in USDA zones 7-9. The ideal temperature range for camellias is between 50-70°F. They can withstand a minimum temperature of about 20°F in the winter, but should be protected from freezing conditions. Extended exposure to temperatures over 85°F can cause stress and should be avoided if possible.

Pruning

'November Pink' Williams camellias should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushiness, as well as to remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, before new buds form for the next season. Typically, once a year pruning is enough. Cuts should be made just above a leaf node or bud.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Williams' Camellia requires acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth. A good soil mix for Williams' Camellia is composed of one-third peat, one-third pine bark, and one-third coarse sand or perlite. This mix ensures good drainage and aeration while maintaining sufficient moisture retention.

Repotting

Williams' Camellia should generally be repotted every 2-3 years in the spring. If it's growing vigorously, it can be repotted annually, but mature plants can go longer without repotting if they’re not root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Williams' Camellia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid placing it in excessively dry environments that can cause bud drop or leaf crisping.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Williams' Camellia in bright, indirect light indoors for best results.

• Outdoor

  Plant Williams' Camellia in partial shade, shield from intense sun.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Williamsii Camellia begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in a moist and well-drained soil environment. As a seedling, it slowly establishes a root system and a stem, eventually producing its first leaves. The plant enters a vegetative stage, during which it focuses on growth and leaf production, eventually maturing into a bush with glossy, evergreen foliage. After a few years, the Williamsii Camellia will reach sexual maturity and commence its reproductive phase, characterized by the emergence of pink flowers, usually starting from late autumn into winter, hence the 'November Pink' cultivar name. Once pollinated, typically by insects, the flowers develop into seed-containing fruits. The completion of the cycle occurs when these seeds disperse, potentially germinating to produce new plants if the conditions are suitable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-Spring

• The Camellia × williamsii 'November Pink', commonly known as the November Pink Camellia, can be propagated effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to propagate is typically late summer to early fall, after the growth for the season has begun to harden. To do this, cut a 4 to 6 inch piece of semi-hardwood, which is mature but not overly hard, from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium, ensuring that the leaf nodes where roots will form are covered. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment, ideally under a plastic cover to retain moisture, and out of direct sunlight. Rooting generally takes several weeks, after which the cutting can be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions before being planted out.