Camellia Flower Care: Here's Everything You Need to Know

Camellias are admired not just in gardens, but increasingly in floral arrangements and seasonal bouquets. Their lush, rose-like blooms and deep green leaves make them standout flowers, especially during the cooler months when fresh flowers are in shorter supply. In floristry, camellias are a delicate yet elegant option for romantic bouquets, minimalist table décor, and seasonal flower arrangements.

Whether you're a florist, a flower lover, or someone curious about how to make camellias last longer in a vase, this guide covers how to care for camellias in arrangements, as well as brief tips for those who grow them at home.

Choosing the Right Camellia Variety for Floral Displays

There are two popular types used both in gardens and bouquets: Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. Japonicas have large, formal-looking blooms and typically flower from late winter to early spring, making them ideal Christmas flowers or early spring floral pieces. Sasanquas bloom earlier, from autumn into early winter, with slightly smaller flowers but a longer blooming season.

For florists, japonicas are perfect when you want dramatic impact; they’re ideal types of red flowers to make a statement in wedding or Valentine's Day bouquets. Sasanquas, meanwhile, are more delicate and fit beautifully into romantic, layered arrangements. 

You may also find hybrid camellias that come in pastel shades or bold reds, with petals that mimic flowers that look like lilies, adding visual variety to displays.

Ideal Conditions for Longer Vase Life

Camellias, once cut, are more fragile than most popular bouquet flowers. While stunning, they require special care to maintain their beauty. Here’s how to maximise their vase life:

Light and Temperature

In floral displays, keep camellias away from direct sunlight, heaters, or fans. These flowers thrive in cool, shaded environments. Camellia arrangements last longer when displayed in rooms with steady, mild temperatures. A cool entryway or shaded table is far better than a sunny windowsill.

Watering and Humidity

Camellias prefer hydrated but not soggy conditions. In bouquets, trim stems at a 45° angle and place them immediately into clean, cool water. For floating displays, gently set the flower heads in shallow bowls of water and change the water daily. Misting the petals lightly can help keep their delicate surface from drying out.

Avoid floral foam for camellias, since it doesn't hold water well enough to keep them hydrated. Always use clean water and disinfected vases to prevent early wilting.

Caring for Camellias in Arrangements

Florists often use camellias as the focal flower in a bouquet or float them solo in elegant water bowls. Their thick petals give them a plush appearance, but they bruise easily. Here’s how to care for cut camellias once arranged:

• Display on the day of cutting for peak freshness.
• Re-cut stems every 1–2 days to encourage water uptake.
• Change water daily, especially if not using floral preservatives.
• If possible, store arrangements in a cool room overnight to extend bloom life.

Due to their short shelf life, usually 2 to 4 days, camellias are perfect for special events, weddings, or short-term installations.

Feeding and Fertilising Tips

Feeding your camellia properly supports healthy leaves and plentiful blooms. Always feed in spring, just after flowering, and avoid late summer feeds that encourage leaf growth instead of bud development.

• Use Ericaceous Fertiliser: Designed for acid-loving plants, this helps maintain the right soil pH.
• Feed in Spring: Apply once flowering ends to help new growth.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Too much fertiliser can lead to leaf burn and weak stems.
• Mulch Around Base: Organic mulch like pine bark or leaf mould feeds the soil slowly.
• No Feed in Autumn/Winter: This may cause new growth that is vulnerable to frost.
• Liquid Seaweed Boost: Use occasionally to improve overall plant health.

Preserved Camellias for Long-Lasting Beauty

If you love the look of camellias but want something longer-lasting, preserved versions are a great alternative. When treated with silica gel or freeze-drying techniques, camellias can last for months without water. These are ideal for keepsake arrangements, floral frames, or displays for venues that need low-maintenance décor.

They retain their colour and shape well and are a popular choice for long-term gifting, especially among confidence, beauty, and lasting admiration.

Quick Gardening Tips (For Those Growing Their Own)

While our focus is bouquet care, growing camellias at home means you’ll have a ready source of fresh blooms. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Sunlight: Camellias thrive in dappled light, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Soil: Use slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5) with good drainage.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially in summer when buds form.
• Feeding: Apply ericaceous fertiliser after flowering, never in late summer or autumn.
• Pruning: Trim lightly just after blooming. Remove dead heads and weak stems for shape.

They can be fussy in the wrong spot, but once established, camellias are low-maintenance shrubs that bloom when most plants rest.

Seasonal Care Tips

Caring for camellias throughout the year ensures they bloom well and stay healthy. Each season has a few things to focus on.

• Spring: Feed after flowering and prune for shape. Watch for pests as growth begins.
• Summer: Water regularly and mulch to keep the soil cool. Buds for next season start forming now.
• Autumn: Remove any fallen leaves and check for pests. Sasanquas may begin to bloom.
• Winter: Protect from frost, especially potted plants. Keep watering lightly if dry.
• All Year: Check leaves for signs of yellowing, pests, or disease. Stay consistent with care.

Conclusion on Camellia Flower Care

Whether you're cutting camellias from your garden or styling them for an event, these blooms bring elegance and emotion to every arrangement. Though fresh camellias may only last a few days in a bouquet, they leave a lasting impression. With the right care, they’re an excellent addition to any florist’s toolkit; especially for special occasions or high-impact floral displays.

From floating bowls to bridal bouquets, preserved arrangements to seasonal home décor, camellias prove that beauty doesn’t need to last forever to be unforgettable.

Want more tips and tricks to help your flowers thrive? Visit The Daily Blooms for helpful guides, floral inspiration, and expert plant advice you can trust. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Camellia Flower Care

When Do Camellias Bloom?

Most camellias bloom from late winter through spring, but some types start as early as autumn.

Can Camellias Grow in Pots?

Yes, camellias do well in large containers filled with acidic compost. Just be sure to water and feed them regularly.

Are Camellias Toxic to Pets?

Camellias are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for pet-friendly gardens.

What Colour Flowers Do Camellias Come In?

Camellias come in shades of pink, white, red, and sometimes even striped. They're among the most elegant types of red flowers you can grow.

Do Camellias Symbolise Anything?

Yes, camellias are often seen as flowers that represent confidence, love, and admiration. They're also considered some of the best Christmas flowers for wintertime arrangements.