A. First, choosing the right location for camellias is very important. Filtered sun or partial shade is excellent. The northeast side of your home would be an ideal location. Plant camellias during their dormant period, October through March. Most camellias are heavily budded during their dormant period.
Soil mix is most important for growing a successful plant. Plant in a humus - moist, slightly acid and fast draining. Soil must be moist at all times but never soggy.
Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Remove the camellia carefully from its container, careful not to disturb the root ball. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with 50/50 mixture of native soil and camellia planting mix. After planting, water thoroughly with a solution of root stimulator. Repeat feeding with root stimulator solution every three weeks for the first sixty days. Add mulch to help keep the soil moist. Water regularly, especially during warm, dry weather. Feed camellias lightly once a month after blooming period. Prune camellias right after flowering period. Remove dead wood when first observed.
To transplant camellias from one location to another, follow the same procedure as above. Camellias may be transplanted October through February. Care must be taken when digging around the roots as camellias send out long shoots. Use a sharp spade. When transplanting larger bushes, it is important to keep the root ball compact to protect the roots from exposure. When cutting large roots, make a clean cut with sterile pruning shears. Water after transplanting. Feed according to the same schedule as container transplanting.