Camellias are prized evergreen shrubs that offer glossy foliage and vibrant winter blooms, a welcome sight when most other plants are dormant. The growth timeline depends heavily on the plant’s species and the method used for propagation. Growth rates differ significantly between the two most common types, Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua, with the latter generally exhibiting a faster growth habit. Understanding the initial time commitment is key to appreciating the long-term journey of this slow-growing plant.
Initial Growth Timeline: From Seed to Established Plant
The time it takes for a camellia to become an established, flowering specimen is largely determined by its origin. Starting a camellia from seed is the slowest path to maturity, often requiring considerable patience. It can take anywhere from five to seven years, or occasionally even longer, before the seedling produces its first bloom. This method often requires cold stratification to encourage germination, and new seedlings may take several months to emerge.
Propagation through cuttings offers a significantly reduced timeline, making it a more practical choice for many growers. A semi-hardwood cutting typically requires one full growing season (six to eight months) to develop a viable root system. Once rooted, the young plant is transplanted into a container, and it generally takes two to three years of growth before it is robust enough for planting in the garden. Reliable blooming can be expected within three to five years.
Purchasing established nursery stock is the fastest route to a mature-looking plant. These plants are already several years old and have a developed root ball. The time frame shifts from growth to recovery, requiring the plant a few weeks to a few months to settle its roots after transplanting before resuming active top growth. This method bypasses the multi-year wait for the first bloom, as the plant is usually already flowering or ready to flower in the next season.
Defining Mature Growth: Annual Rate and Final Size
Once established, a camellia’s growth transitions to a steady annual rate, moving toward its species-specific mature size. Camellias are considered slow-growing shrubs, but the rate varies between varieties. Camellia sasanqua is the faster-growing type, typically adding 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) of height per year under optimal conditions. Camellia japonica grows more slowly, averaging an increase of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) annually.
Mature growth is defined by the plant reaching its maximum characteristic height and width. While a camellia may reach a functionally medium size within five to ten years of garden establishment, reaching its full potential takes much longer. Full maturity, where the shrub achieves its maximum height—up to 12 feet for many sasanqua varieties and potentially 25 feet for some japonica varieties—can require 10 to 20 years or more.
Environmental Variables That Accelerate or Slow Growth
The actual rate of growth is significantly influenced by the environmental conditions provided to the plant. Camellias are acid-loving plants, requiring a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to properly absorb nutrients for healthy growth. Soil must also be well-drained, as camellias are susceptible to root rot, which can severely stunt or halt growth entirely.
Light exposure plays a large role, with filtered or dappled shade being the optimal setting for most varieties. Deep shade will slow growth, while harsh afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and stunt the plant’s development. Camellia sasanqua is more tolerant of full sun exposure than Camellia japonica once established.
Consistent moisture and appropriate nutrition directly accelerate the annual growth flush. Camellias require regular watering, especially during the summer when they are developing buds for the following season’s blooms. Fertilizing in the spring after blooming, and again in mid-summer, using a slow-release, acid-specific fertilizer, encourages stronger new growth. While pruning is sometimes necessary to control size, heavy or frequent pruning will temporarily slow the plant’s upward height gain as energy is diverted to recovering the canopy and encouraging denser, lateral branching.