[socheallaigh]

Hi

My question concerns planting Camillias out-of-doors in Ireland. I was given a lovely little plant as a present which has flowered twice.
I was told it would be fine to plant outdoors in a sheltered spot but am beginning to have my doubts, especially with the recent snow.
The buds had a red tinge when I planted out six weeks ago (mid-late sept). It has held these but hasn't progressed at all although it still looks healthy.
I'm just worried about it's reaction to the snow.

Is it possible to repot later on? or should I just leave it to see how it fends for itself?

Sean

[Sive]

I don't think snow does half as much damage as frost does....as long as you don't let snow weigh down and break branches.
I've had camellias for years, in pots, left to fend for themselves in all sorts of weather and they seemed to survive just fine....and flower every year.
I can't see why they would be worse off in the ground...unless it's waterlogged.
The one tip I got was to have camellias where they don't get the sun first thing in the morning..........the plants can be damaged if they are frosted and then get the sun on them.

[socheallaigh]

Thats good to know Sive. I have positioned so they won't get sun until after noon.
Thanks

[walltoall]

I second Sive's comments. My camellias survive wicked weather here in Essex. Below zero temperatures for days in Winter. Snow most years. Mostly they are shaded all day in Winter and most of the day in Summer. They're not allowed morning sun ever. But I have to feed them vast amounbts of ericaceous in the growing season due to the alkaline soil. If I ever forget they go sad very quickly.