This evergreen shrub, with dark green foliage and delicate blossoms, prefers a humid climate like that of the Southeast and parts of the West Coast as far north as Seattle. Plant in soil that is slightly acidic or neutral—never alkaline. Team them with acid-loving azaleas and rhododendrons.
Shelter the bush from frost, wind, and full sun. One favorite spot is the sun-dappled shade of a rangy evergreen. Mulch in spring and fall using a layer of well-aged compost about 6 inches thick. When the plant buds and flowers, apply ammonium sulfate at the rate of 3/4 ounce per square yard every three weeks. Take care not to overfertilize.
Water the plants from above in midsummer; camellias thrive in high humidity. Encourage flower-bud formation by slowing down watering in September, moistening just the soil and using lime-free water.
Is it frost damaged? If your camellia has no leaves left, you have little chance of saving it. If there is only partial defoliation, prune severely above the healthy branches.