Water:
Camellias 'Sweet Emily Kate' requires consistently moist soil, especially during spring and summer when watering every 1-2 days is ideal. In autumn and winter, reduce to twice a month. Use rainwater or distilled water; avoid tap water. Apply a 3-inch bark layer to maintain temperature and humidity.
Fertilize:
During camellias 'Sweet Emily Kate''s growth, fertilize with slow-release nitrogenous fertilizer in summer and phosphate-potassium fertilizer 1-2 times during budding to blooming. Avoid excessive fertilization to prevent leaf yellowing and growth stagnation. Adjust fertilizing frequency and concentration based on growth condition for optimal health.
Pruning:
Camellias 'Sweet Emily Kate' thrives with early to late winter pruning, focusing on dead or weak wood to enhance air circulation and shape. Light trimming encourages bushier growth, while cuts should be above buds for healthy regrowth. Proper pruning boosts aesthetic appeal and reduces disease risks.
Propagation:
Propagation of camellias 'Sweet Emily Kate' includes methods like cutting, grafting, layering, sowing, and tissue culture. Cutting, the primary method, is best performed in summer or winter. Warm, moist conditions enhance rooting and sprouting, thereby increasing the survival rate of the propagated branches.
