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April Kiss Camellia
Camellia japonica 'April Kiss'
Camellia April Kiss Shrubs produce a nearly continuous display of Rose Pink, perfectly-formed, formal Camellia flowers over an extended period from early to late season in our gardens. A long-time favorite with an upright to rounded habit. The contrasting, dark green foliage creates the perfect foil for the rose pink flowers.
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Camellia April Kiss Shrubs for Sale Online
Camellia April Kiss (Camellia japonica) is a very popular evergreen shrub with small-medium formal double flowers in early spring. Compact, with a moderate growth rate. Great as a patio plant, screen, or in a mixed border.
Camellia japonica and most of its cultivars are considered to be winter hardy to USDA Zones 6-9. Even where winter-hardy, unusually cold temperatures in winter, particularly when occurring as a sudden temperature change, can damage or sometimes kill these plants.
Where winter-hardy, Camellia April Kiss evergreen flowering shrubs should be grown in moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade. Consistent and even moisture is important. Avoid wet soils. Plants require protection from direct afternoon sun and wind. The best location may be a sun-dappled part shade. Best with a root mulch.
Near the northern parts of their growing range, plants should be sited in sheltered and protected microclimates such as near the south side of a home or building. Burlap wraps are sometimes helpful. Plants generally dislike changes in temperature, irregular watering, or being moved. Even a change in the humidity can cause plants to drop buds.
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. If desired, remove all but one bud from each cluster to increase the size of the flower. Prune immediately after flowering.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 10 feet |
| Mature Width: | 6 to 8 feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub, Spring flowering |
| Sunlight: | Part Sun to Shade |
| Habit: | Evergreen, densely branched |
| Flower Color: | Rose Pink flowers in very early spring |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting. Provides unmatched winter interest due to its flowering in the late winter |
How to Care for April Kiss Camellia
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy plant for years to come!
Planting Camellia April Kiss Shrubs
We suggest when planting your newly purchased Camellia April Kiss plants that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Depending on the quality of your existing soil, you may need to add a locally-sourced compost or topsoil to the backfill soil. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a backfill soil for Camellia April Kiss shrubs because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots of Camellia April Kiss spread through the loose, nutrient-rich soil much easier than if you used solely the existing soil, which more times than not will be hard and compacted. The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant too deep. That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole. Bio-tone starter fertilizer is a great starter fertilizer that provides plants with mycorrhizae fungus. It is a naturally-occurring, beneficial fungus that colonizes on the new growing roots of plants. It creates a barrier between the roots of the plant and fungus and pathogens that can cause root rot. We love this product and use it on all plants we install in our own gardens. Bio-tone is a gardener's best friend and can help guarantee your success.
How do I water Camellia April Kiss Shrubs?
After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Camellia April Kiss a good, deep watering. This is not to be rushed. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example, a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5; a three gallon pot would be 15; and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks.
How do I fertilize Camellia April Kiss Shrubs?
Camellias are one of the slowest growing and yet one of the most desirable ornamental plants available today. In order for camellias to give their maximum performance, certain fertilization requirements must be met. Despite their slow growth patterns, camellias such as Camellia April Kiss are considered to be heavy feeders. In recent years, a misconception has emerged that older camellias do not need to be fertilized. The premise is based on the fact that these older and well established camellias can derive all their nutrients from their soil. Although many well established camellias perform wonderfully without being fertilized, they will do even better with a regular fertilization program. Plants such as Camellia April Kiss grow best if they are fertilized once in the spring and again in early summer. Camellia April Kiss favors nutrient rich soil and ample fertilization. Camellia April Kiss benefits from an fertilizer which can help raise the acid level of the soil such as Holly-Tone by Espoma. When selecting a fertilizer for your Camellia April Kiss, if soil Ph is not an issue a simple balanced fertilizer can be used such as Tree-tone. When looking at most fertilizers, they are described by three numbers on the bag. An example would be 10-10-10 or 12-4-8. The first of these three numbers refers to Nitrogen, which is the primary element necessary for good, balanced growth within the camellia. Plants that are deficient in Nitrogen are usually not growing vigorously, and sometimes exhibit pale colored foliage. Not all Nitrogen deficiencies result in stunted growth. Sometimes, the growth is taller and longer with less than desirable branching when Nitrogen is deficient. The second number in the fertilizer equation is representative of Phosphorus. A deficiency of Phosphorus may affect the energy transfer in the plant, and result in stunted growth as well. Also, plants with insufficient amounts of Phosphorus may have poorer root systems. Potassium is the element represented by the third number on the fertilizer bag. Plants that are deficient in Potassium, are usually growing more slowly than normal, have fewer flowers and seed, and are more susceptible to disease than plants with adequate levels of Potassium. Although the three elements just mentioned are the major elements necessary for good plant performance, there some minor elements that are just as important in consideration of camellia nutrition. Minor elements that are not included in the three numbers listing on the front of fertilizer bags are very important considerations when choosing your camellia fertilizer. Elements such as Magnesium, Sulfur, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Boron, and Molybdenum play very important roles in providing camellias will adequate nutrition. Many times, less expensive fertilizers are sold that contain only the major elements needed, but not the minor elements. Always be sure to look on the fertilizer label on the back of the bag to see exactly what is included in the fertilizer. In choosing the basic type of fertilizer for your Camellia April Kiss, it is important to determine what you need your camellias to do. If your plants are well established, and you are not concerned about more growth, choose a fertilizer that has a smaller first number, and a larger second and third number. For example, a 4-8-8 fertilizer with minor elements included would be a good choice for well established camellias. If your camellias are younger plants, and you want them to concentrate their energies on growing for a few years, you may wish to choose a fertilizer that has a higher first number such as 12-4-8 or 10-10-10. Be sure that these fertilizers have minor elements as well. No matter what fertilizer you choose, “Always Read the Label”. Do not apply more fertilizer than is recommended on the label. Organic fertilizers such as Dehydrated Cow Manure or Milorganite may provide an excellent source of slow release nutrients in addition to your primary fertilizer. In the southeastern United States, three fertilizer applications per year are usually adequate to supply your camellias’ nutritional needs. Generally, an application sometime during the first part of March, followed by a second application during the first part of May, and a final third application during the first part of July should be sufficient for you camellia fertilization needs. Always consult your Extension Service and your local camellia experts as to specific recommendations of fertilizers for your area. If you do not have acid soil, soil tests may be necessary followed by ph adjustments. Camellias generally prefer acid soils with ph readings from 5.5 to 6.8. If the ph of your soil is not correct, it may affect the ability of your camellias to absorb the fertilizer that is applied. It would not be a bad idea to have a soil sample checked with your local Extension Service before applying fertilizer. When you have selected your fertilizer and are ready to apply it, be sure to rake your mulch back to the drip line of each plant. Apply the fertilizer according to the label directions immediately on top of the soil, and be sure to water the plant thoroughly after the application. You can then rake the mulch back around the base of the camellias. Although it is tempting to spend less time by not raking the mulch back during fertilization, the results will be less than desirable, if the fertilizer is applied on top of the mulch. Proper fertilization of your Camellia April Kiss will lead to healthier and more disease resistant plants, as well as provide you with many more enjoyable blooms. Always, read the label on your fertilizer bag, and follow the instructions.
How should I mulch my Camellia April Kiss Shrubs?
We highly recommend that you mulch your Camellia April Kiss with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do, but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away that will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch is sufficient, but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. It's better to leave a one-inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.
