They won't need protection unless you're somewhere considerably north of me, and even then, if they're in the right site, they should be fine in most winters. Out of morning sun and in dappled shade is the best location for them, so west facing sites are generally ideal
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The only real danger comes with wet soil and then a freeze, but even here, I've never lost a shrub that's potted, and we get plenty of wet/freezing conditions. It also depends on the type of pot, because clay/terracotta pots absorb moisture, and are therefore more prone to that. Usually though, it's the pot that gets damaged before the plant. The only thing I'd say is that Camellias don't generally make good pot specimens long term. They need a lot of care and regular repotting to keep them healthy. They want to be large shrubs [often huge] and are really best in the ground to get the best from them. If your soil isn't suitable though, that's the problem.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The biggest problem I’ve come across with camellias in containers is ensuring that they get enough water in the summer when the flower buds for the following year are being formed.
As @Fairygirl says, in Kent yours should not be in danger from the winter cold as long as the containers are raised
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
That’s why it’s important not to plant a camellia in an east or south-east facing position.
It’s not the freezing, it’s the rapid thawing in the morning that does the damage to the flower buds … so … plant camellias in a north or west-facing spot and the buds should be fine even in a hard frost 😊
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
In a north facing site, it won't dry out so easily, but don't waterlog it either - they don't appreciate that either. Like most shrubs of this kind, they need water, but they also need adequate drainage I would never need to water shrubs over winter if they're in pots, assuming they have the right soil mix. Your climate will dictate.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
Out of morning sun and in dappled shade is the best location for them, so west facing sites are generally ideal
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It also depends on the type of pot, because clay/terracotta pots absorb moisture, and are therefore more prone to that. Usually though, it's the pot that gets damaged before the plant.
The only thing I'd say is that Camellias don't generally make good pot specimens long term. They need a lot of care and regular repotting to keep them healthy. They want to be large shrubs [often huge] and are really best in the ground to get the best from them. If your soil isn't suitable though, that's the problem.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I would never need to water shrubs over winter if they're in pots, assuming they have the right soil mix. Your climate will dictate.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...