Growing Camellias from Cuttings
Camellias are beautiful evergreen shrubs that produce glossy leaves and colourful flowers from late winter through to spring. One of the easiest ways to create new plants is by taking semi-ripe cuttings during the growing season. This method allows you to produce plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring you keep the same flower colour and growth habit.
Taking camellia cuttings is straightforward and works well if you provide the right growing conditions while the cuttings develop roots.
When to Take Camellia Cuttings
The best time to take camellia cuttings is mid to late summer, usually from July through to September.
At this stage the plant produces semi-ripe growth, which means the stems have started to firm up but are not fully woody. This type of growth roots more reliably than very soft new shoots or hard woody stems.
You can learn more about the general technique here:
https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-plants/grown-shrubs-from-softwood-cuttings/
Selecting the Right Cutting
Choose healthy shoots from the current year’s growth.
Look for stems that:
- Are 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) long
- Have firm but flexible stems
- Are free from pests or disease
- Ideally do not have flowers (or remove any buds)
If a stem has a flower, simply remove it so the cutting directs its energy into producing roots rather than supporting a bloom.
Preparing the Cutting
Follow these simple steps:
- Cut the stem just below a leaf joint (node) using clean, sharp secateurs.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving two or three leaves at the top.
- If the remaining leaves are large, trim them in half to reduce moisture loss.
- Dip the base of the cutting into rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root formation.
Planting the Cuttings
Insert the prepared cuttings into a free-draining compost mix, such as:
- 50% multi-purpose compost
- 50% horticultural grit or perlite
Firm the compost gently around the base of the cuttings.
Water lightly and place the container in a warm, bright position out of direct sunlight.
Creating the Right Environment
Camellia cuttings root best in humid conditions.
You can achieve this by:
- Placing a clear plastic bag over the pot
- Using a propagation tray with a lid
- Keeping the cuttings in a greenhouse or sheltered cold frame
Ensure there is some airflow to prevent fungal problems.
Rooting Time
Camellia cuttings are relatively slow to root and may take 8–12 weeks to produce roots.
During this time:
- Keep the compost slightly moist but not waterlogged
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Check occasionally for signs of new growth
Once rooted, the cuttings can be potted individually into small pots and grown on.
Growing On Young Camellia Plants
Young camellias should be grown in ericaceous compost, as they prefer slightly acidic soil conditions.
Keep them in a sheltered position for the first year and protect from strong sun or cold winds. With good care, your cuttings will develop into strong young plants ready to plant in the garden.
Propagating camellias from cuttings is a rewarding way to produce new plants for the garden. By selecting semi-ripe stems in summer and providing warm, humid conditions, you can successfully grow new camellias that match the original plant.
This method works well for most varieties, including Camellia japonica, making it an excellent way to expand your collection or share plants with friends.
