Camellias
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Camellias thrive in any soil that has reasonable drainage and sufficient fertiliser for growth . Adding composted material will always improve the quality of the soil. Plants require that the soil is neither compacted as are heavy clays or to free draining eg sandy loams. For this reason heavy clays, which totally exclude air when wet, are not suitable without pre-preparation. Composted material can be added to open up the clay and also to add body to sandy loams. The addition of Gypsum or clay breaking preparations will change the structure of clay and allow the water to drain through. The best results are often achieved by making raised beds to give the plants a depth of good soil before hitting the clay. 
Sasanquas are very tolerant of sun or shade and are especially useful for hot sunny positions.
Japonicas will stand full sun, if cared for while establishing (watering and mulching over the summer) however are intolerant of hot northerly winds, and prefer shade later in the day.
Reticulatas should be planted in a sunny open position, not under other trees.
Species and hybrids in general will benefit from partial shade.
Camellias are often wrongly referred to as very acid loving plants. They will tolerate acid conditions however are best in mildly acid conditions. The addition of dolomite lime will be beneficial to all but limestone based soils.
The planting hole for the camellia should be at least twice the size of the root container that it has been grown in. Plant your camellia with the crown 20-30mm above the surrounding ground level, mulch should not be placed above the level of the trunk. The plant will suffer if the crown is buried below ground level at planting time.
Wind is the greatest source of damage to camellia flowers. Frost will damage flowers causing brown patching on the petals. Rain will not hurt them unless torrential. So a position protected from the wind and not exposed to the frost will give you the best flowers. As a general rule, the lighter the color of the flower, the more protection required.
For more exposed positions, sasanquas and dark colored japonicas and hybrids will give a good display. Reticulata flowers do not bruise easily, and will give a good garden display in exposed conditions, but individual flowers will not be ‘show ’ quality in adverse weather.
Mix some slow release fertiliser into the planting soil. This is the only opportunity you get to place fertiliser directly under the root ball. The best fertilisers are the slow release 12 month types such as Nutricote or Osmocote Plus.
We do not recommend acid fertilisers. Some of these formulations release too quickly and may injure plants, particularly the small leafed species and hybrids, which are very sensitive to over- fertilising.
Soil conditioners or composts are worthwhile when mixed into the natural soil on planting. Camellias can exhibit yellowing in the older leaves and have a generally poor appearance, I have found the addition of dolomite- around a large handful to the square meter will cure this. Any effect on pH value will be beneficial but more importantly you will be feeding the plants the essential elements calcium and magnesium. The addition of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) as a spray over the foliage, will also aid in the plant health with magnesium being a very important element for camellias, sparing applications may be beneficial. Watering and mulching to conserve moisture over the first summer is most important to establish your plant and ensure better performance.
A variety of materials will make adequate mulch. Bark is long lasting and ornamental, a compost mulch of great benefit to the plant. This care is particularly necessary when planting Reticulatas and the small leaf species and hybrids. Staking will help your plant to establish new roots and become firm in the ground and establish faster. Small plants and precious grafts are best staked on two sides and if necessary for protection use a planting sleeve for protection.
