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Though you can plant from containers any time of the year, it's best to plant in fall or early spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Though camellias can take full sun, the ideal spot is in dappled shade, preferably out of morning's sun, which can cause light brown spots to form on the buds. If you plant under trees, be sure that the trees' canopies are open enough to let in light and air; shade that is too dense will keep buds from setting. The plant should also be sheltered from strong winds.
As with azaleas and rhododendons, camellias prefer an acidic soil that is fast draining but retains moisture. The ideal soil is rich in organic matter, so you may need to amend your soil before planting. If your soil is too heavy or claylike, or too alkaline, consider planting in a raised bed.
To plant from a container, dig a hole almost as deep as the soil in the container and twice as wide, tapering the sides outward as you dig. Build a small mound in the center of the hole. Remove the plant from the container and place it on the mound; the crown of the plant should be about 1 inch above the adjacent soil. Spread out the roots, and then begin to fill in the hole with the soil you dug out, firming it as you go. When finished, form a watering basin around the plant and water gently, adjusting the plant's height as needed.
If planting a bare-root plant, first soak the roots for four hours. Dig a hole as you would for planting from a container. Form a mound in the center; the crown of the plant should sit about 1 inch above the adjacent soil. Put the plant in place, checking to make sure the height is right (fill in with soil if the plant is too low), and then spread the roots out around the mound. Holding the plant in place, add the soil that you dug up, firming as you go. When almost finished, gently water. If the plant settles, add additional soil beneath it to bring it back to the proper height. Finish filling in the hole, and then build a watering berm around it and water gently.
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