How to prune a Camellia

How to prune a Camellia

1. 01

   Choose what to remove

   Routine cuts target dead, damaged, rubbing, unproductive, disproportionately long or unruly limbs and shoots rather than the whole canopy.

   Pruning is mainly for light shaping, size correction and removal of damaged or unproductive growth. It is not required to force flowering on a healthy camellia.

2. 02

   Prune at the right time

   If shaping is needed, prune after flowering. March is a better time for hard pruning, and later pruning can remove next season’s flower buds.

3. 03

   Make one clean cut

   For a misshapen or oversized plant, remove selected limbs back to a lateral branch or lateral bud inside the canopy. Otherwise limit cuts to dead, damaged or rubbing material and light shaping.

4. 04

   When pruning will not help

   Camellia japonica normally needs little pruning. Hard pruning can mean a year or two with few flowers, and pruning after bud setting can remove flowers intended for the next season.

5. 05

   Care for the plant after pruning

   After pruning, keep the root zone evenly damp through summer, when next year’s flower buds are produced, and continue normal sheltered growing conditions.