How to prune camellia (pruning time and method)

When to prune camellia

The best time to prune and shape camellia is in March after the flowering period, and pruning in May is the best, which has less impact on the camellia.

Camellia pruning method

1. Pruning : Pruning means finding the dried or diseased branches and leaves of the camellia tree, and then pruning them all off. As long as these branches and leaves are still hanging on the tree, they will continuously consume the nutrients of the camellia and become a burden to the camellia. Therefore, the sooner you remove them, the better.

2. Thinning branches : comb and properly prune the intertwined branches and the branches that grow too densely. When the branches are too dense, the interior of the camellia tree will have too many leaves, and it will be blocked from ventilation and light.

3. Bud picking : When the camellia enters the flowering period and the buds have just grown, you can prune the camellia by picking the buds appropriately. On the thin branches, all the buds should be removed, or only one or two should be left. On the thicker branches, there should be three to six buds.

4. Crown trimming : Crown trimming is to trim the shape of the camellia's crown. Prune some branches that grow too fast to keep the entire crown in a suitable shape. But it should be noted that even though camellia grows quickly, it grows relatively slowly compared to other plants.

Camellia pruning tips

Different pruning methods are used according to the characteristics of camellia and different varieties. For fast-growing upright varieties, such as "Hongluzhen" and "Da Zhusha", we can use the "shortening" method to cut off the weak branches that block the light from the roots.

Camellia pruning makes it grow faster

Proper pruning of camellia can promote the germination of new branches. Cutting off old branches can reduce the consumption of nutrients and supply the newly sprouted branches. Generally, it can be pruned once in February or March to cut off old, weak and diseased branches.

Camellia pruning and flowering

If you prune camellia after its flower buds are formed or before they swell, it can help thin out the buds and concentrate nutrients. Because the buds are reduced, the flowers can bloom larger.

In addition, after pruning the camellia, it is necessary to use a compound fertilizer mainly composed of nitrogen fertilizer, which can make its germination more vigorous in spring.