Growing camellias in Spain: create a cool, acidic root zone

Camellias are possible in Spain, but not in every Spanish garden. Their glossy evergreen leaves and winter or spring flowers need shelter from hot afternoon sun, drying wind and alkaline soil. In a limestone courtyard, a large container is often more practical than fighting the ground indefinitely.

Choose the cool side of the house

Dappled shade or gentle morning light suits many camellias. A west-facing wall which radiates heat through summer can scorch leaves and dry flower buds. A very dark corner reduces flowering, so observe the site across the seasons rather than treating "shade" as one condition.

Keep roots acidic and airy

Camellias prefer an acidic, moisture-retentive but well-drained growing medium. Use a generous pot with drainage holes and a peat-free ericaceous compost. Plant at the same depth as the nursery container. Burying the root flare or leaving the pot standing in water invites decline.

Hard alkaline tap water can gradually raise the compost pH. Rainwater is useful where it can be collected hygienically and legally. Yellow young leaves with green veins may indicate that iron is unavailable in an alkaline root zone, but poor drainage and damaged roots can look similar.

Water through bud formation

Do not let the root ball dry completely in late summer and autumn, when flower buds are developing. Apply water thoroughly, allow excess to drain and adjust the interval to weather. A surface mulch reduces drying but should stay away from the main stem.

Prune only where needed

Most camellias need little pruning. Remove dead or crossing growth and, if size must be reduced, work after flowering so the next display has time to form. A badly positioned shrub cannot be made comfortable by repeated clipping.

Sources and review

This guide was reviewed in August 2026 using the Royal Horticultural Society camellia guide and the Kew Plants of the World Online record for Camellia japonica.