How big is it? Do you have a garage or shed where you could put it that doesn't get too cold during cold snaps until it warms up a bit? I think what might damage them more is cold dry winds (which this cold snap is producing in many areas in the mid atlantic) rather than the actual cold.

Hi Luis, actually I am lucky enough to have good soil,not to sandy a former pond bottom. My biggest problem in a normal rainy year is drainage. I had dug ditches to maintain drainage which worked great but this last year I wished they were gone because of the drought. But tonight I am thankful as we have probably gotten five inches of rain in 24 hours, so I am floating two inches of water under my house. Back to soil My parents live 3miles away and are on sand Its constant watering for gardens and pastures. In reference to shi shi I am surprised that more spreading type camellias have not been hybridized. Of course I didn't know that yuletide was not a fast growing camellia either. mine grows about 6 inches per year I am going to move it next fall as it is in the wrong place for a small slow grower. It also does not bloom reliably every year. I do mulch the camellia beds with pine bark, pine straw , chopped leaves and straw mixed. Just what ever I can get my hands on. I have planted more pines for this purpose but have not been to successful as last summer some form of caterpiller ate all the needles off from top to bottom.I hand picked over a gallon of culprits. The old mature pines no problem but those I planted and babied stripped bare. James in Florida

Local nurseries (small, medium and large sized ones) replenish their camellias inventories in the Fall or Winter. To determine exactly or more or less when, I suggest you visit the store(s) and ask. For example, I notice that Lowes gets camellia shipments on or after October. Whatever inventory remains, it remains until it is sold. Interestingly, running low or selling out of the inventory does not trigger new deliveries from the wholesalers. Because of that, there is not a japonica (only) buying season. The store will get all the camellia shipments at about the same time, regardless of whether the camellia is a japonica, sasanquas, etc. Certain local stores may have a large inventory and that inventory may last thru the year. That probably varies from city to city. A recently planted camellia will not need much fertilizer because the potting mix that comes with the shrubs will likely contain those round fertilizer pellets. The American Camellia Society suggests three applications from March thru September using three types of fertilizers. The 1st application should use a high nitrogen fertilizer; the 2nd application should use a moderate nitrogen/phosphate fertilizer; the third application should use a high phosphate fertilizer. Or you could add 1/2 cup to 1 cup or cottonseed meal monthly between March and September (do not feed if the temperatures are warm, say, above 90). You can get specific suggestions for CA from the Napa Valley Chapter of the American Camellia Society; see the link below. Most Miracle Gro formulations are not good fertilizers for camellias as they are too high on nitrogen. A slow-release general-purpose (chemical or organic) fertilizer will do better. Cottonseed Meal can be purchased in organic minded plant nurseries stores and in small-to-medium size local plant nurseries. The big stores rarely carry it. The Napa Valley Chapter of the ACS might be able to recommend places to get cottonseed meal. There are many commercial camellia/azalea potting mixes sold that you could use. Or could make your own. See the following posts: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/camellia/msg0122484619225.html http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/camellia/msg1011172231762.html?1 You could fertilize monthly with cottonseed meal during the growing season or apply half the amount of your Miracle Gro every two weeks. From October through February, apply a general purpose 2-10-10 fertilizer. Luis Here is a link that might be useful: Napa Valley Camellia Society

I normally do not plant them in pots indoors because the inside of the house is not humid and the potting soil dries out quickly. Specially in the winter months. When I had a recently purchased one as well, I kept it in the garage but had to water more often than once a week. To see if it needs water, try inserting a finger into the top soil to a depth of about 2" / 5cm and water if it feels dry or almost dry. Move the pot away from drafty locations and places where a heater might blow hot air towards it. And make sure that the water can exit thru the potting holes. Any way that you can check air humidity in that room? Perhaps add a humidifier if it is very low? Camellias also shed a few old leaves in the late Spring months but I think it may be early to see that in Toronto now. It is something that you might see around May-ish... And apparently you should not see as many leaves falling as you describe. I would also see about adding a source of light. I normally provide some light during the daytime in winter if it is not freezing (I leave the garage open). Bright but full shade conditions is the way I would describe it. Obviously, the plant must be stressed. Maintain your fertilizer and amendment programs but do not fertilize too much. Since you just bought it, the plant is semi dormant to non dormant. If you get the need to fertilize but that seems too much, you could add liquid seaweed or liquid fish to the water. They are weak fertilizers but they contain a good supply of secondary nutrients that probably wash away with the frequent waterings.