February is the peak of Camellia Season, especially in Zones 8 and 9. There's not a lot to do in terms of care for your camellias at this time, but Enjoying them should be the top of your list!
- Continue to take precautions for your Camellias with freezes. Here are some tips to keep them warm and toasty...
- Mulch provides much needed protection to roots and keeps them moist and warmer. 3-4" of natural mulch ~ Bark Chips, Leaves, Straw make excellent mulch. Don't use rocks or fake mulch as it does nothing for the health of your Camellias.
- Adequate Hydration before a freeze helps keep the plant with enough water that it will minimize damage from freezes.
- Covering Small Plants is a good idea to protect the buds and flowers from freezes. Don't forget to cover container grown plants as well as the roots may freeze.
- No fertilizer until danger of frost has passed. Plan pruning for after blooms, or about 6 weeks before your last frost date.
- Planting outdoors in zones 8 and 9 is excellent for February. For other zones, wait until spring.
Transplant Camellias in February in zone 8 or 9. March for most other climate zones.