When and How to Prune Camellias

06.06.2023 - 17:19 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren

Raise your hand if you’ve neglected to prune your plants before.

My hand’s raised, in case you were wondering. It’s one of those things that can easily get away from you.

If you forget to water, your plants tell you pretty quickly that they’re upset. But pruning can be neglected for a long time before gardeners notice, at least in some cases.

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That’s especially true of camellias, which can go for years and years without trimming and they might still look totally fine.

Many cultivars maintain a fairly dense, clean look without any input from us.

But pruning is essential for maintaining healthy camellias and encouraging prolific blooming.

The difference between a plant smothered in colorful flowers and one that is just ho-hum is often the result of pruning.

Coming up, we’re going to talk about when, why, and how to trim your camellias. Here’s what to watch for:

Some people love to get out there and trim down their plants and some hate it.

I fall into the former camp simply because I like the gardening tasks that give me instant results.

But if you don’t adore the process, just remind yourself that you’ll be rewarded with a healthier plant and a prettier display next year.

Got those tools ready? Here we go!

Pruning is more about when not to do it rather than when to do it when it comes to camellias.

What you don’t want to do is start making cuts while the buds are forming or you won’t have any flowers that year.

Depending on the type, most camellias start budding in late summer and early fall.

The safest time to prune is right after all of the flowers have faded.

Keep in