How to Grow and Care for Yuletide Camellia

The Yuletide Camellia, or Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’, is an evergreen shrub that flowers from late autumn into early winter, providing color when many plants are dormant. The plant produces single, vibrant red blossoms centered with a prominent cluster of bright yellow stamens. These flowers stand out against the plant’s glossy, dark green leaves, making it a popular choice for gardens during the holiday season.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Yuletide Camellia performs best in a location that receives partial sun, ideally with direct morning sun and shade during the hot afternoon. This exposure provides sufficient light for flower production while protecting the leaves from scorching. While the plant is more tolerant of sun than its Camellia japonica relatives, afternoon protection is still beneficial, especially in hotter climates.

This camellia requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. To prevent root problems, good drainage is necessary. Amending heavy clay or alkaline soils with organic matter like compost or aged pine bark can improve both the texture and acidity. This shrub is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9. In colder regions, it can be grown in large containers and moved to a protected area to survive the winter.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent moisture is important for establishing a healthy Yuletide Camellia, particularly during its first one to two years. During this period, keep the soil moist to encourage an extensive root system. You can check the soil by hand; if the top three inches feel dry, it is time to water. Once established, the plant is more tolerant of dry spells but produces more impressive blooms with regular watering. Container-grown plants dry out more quickly and require more frequent attention.

Feeding should be done in the spring after the plant has finished its flowering cycle. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as those for azaleas or rhododendrons. Following the application rates on the fertilizer packaging is recommended to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to root damage. A second, lighter application can be made in mid-summer if growth seems slow.

Pruning Yuletide Camellia

Any shaping or trimming should be done in late winter or early spring, immediately after the blooms have faded. Yuletide Camellia sets its flower buds on old wood during the summer, so pruning too late in the season will remove the growth that would produce the next winter’s flowers.

The goal of pruning is to maintain a natural shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation. Use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Light, selective trimming is favored over heavy shearing, as it preserves the shrub’s naturally dense and upright habit. Thinning out overly crowded sections helps light penetrate the interior of the plant.

Common Problems

While the Yuletide Camellia is a resilient shrub, it can encounter a few issues. The best prevention for many problems is providing the correct growing conditions from the start.

• Tea scale and aphids are the most common pests. Tea scale insects attach to the undersides of leaves, causing yellow blotches on top, and can be managed with horticultural oil. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
• Root rot is a fungal disease caused by poorly drained soil that makes foliage turn yellow and wilt.
• Petal blight is a disease where flowers rapidly turn brown and mushy. Removing affected flowers promptly can help manage its spread.
• Chlorosis, or yellowing leaves, can indicate that the soil pH is too high (alkaline), which limits the plant’s ability to absorb iron.
• Bud drop may be caused by sudden freezes or inconsistent watering while the buds are developing.