• Choose a container that is 2 to 2.5 times the volume of the pot your plant is in. DON'T put a small plant straight into a large container


• Containers can be made of any sort of material so long as it has good drainage holes at the bottom


• Use an ericaceous (lime free) compost, which preferably contains woodchip or grit to provide aeration to the roots.


• Cover the drainage holes in the pot with coarse gravel to prevent them clogging with compost


• Thoroughly water the plant before planting


• Remove the plant from its pot and gently tease out the roots if they are matted.


• Plant into the container, ensuring that the top of the rootball is kept level with the top of the new compost.


• Firm the compost around the rootball and top up if necessary.


• Water well.


• The new compost level should be just a few centimetres below the top of the pot to ease watering.

Most composts contain a slow release fertiliser, which lasts for several weeks. If planting in the spring, your camellia should not need feeding until June or July

Make sure the compost is always moist throughout the whole container, especially when new growth starts in Spring and when flower buds are being formed between June and October.
Watering thoroughly is essential.

Do not let the compost become completely frozen in winter during prolonged cold spells. Insulate the container eg with bubble wrap, or move to a more sheltered place. Please note: Frost is fine. Prolonged minus temperatures is not. Do not bring into a warm house.
Dependent on the size of plant, flowers can be protected from frost on cold nights by covering with fleece

The plant will need potting on to a larger pot every 2 or 3 years until the final container which should be at least 50 litres in capacity