Grow Well Guides

Michelia

Michelia is a true embodiment of natural beauty! With its graceful form, glossy foliage, and captivating blooms, this remarkable plant adds an elegant touch to any space.

Planting Calendar

Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring

Michelia can be planted throughout the year but grow best when planted in Spring and Autumn, giving it time to establish its roots before the heat of summer

Prepare

Michelias can be used for topiary and hedging and they grow very happily in a container. They are adorned with masses of flowers of which many are fragrant.

Position

The ideal conditions for michelias are well drained soil, morning sun to part shade

Soil

When planted into the ground, michelias prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.

Plant

When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets and Kings Azalea, Camellia acid plant fertiliser, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.

Care

Watering

Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.

Feeding

When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. Regularly feed in early spring and again in late summer with an acid based fertiliser such as Camellia, Azalea & Gardenia Controlled Release Fertiliser for plants that enjoy acid soil conditions. If planted into container, feed with a slow release acid plant food, along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.

Protecting

Stake when young to support the trunk, protect young plants from frost.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.

Spraying

Scale insect can affect michelias, spray with BioNeem.

Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.

Beginner Tip

Birds, especially the Rosella, like to peck at fresh flower buds, leading to potential damage that gives the buds a torn appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions