Do not pile mulch too high as this can keep the soil too wet and provide good conditions for root rot. Organic fertilizers such as cottonseed meal have been used successfully for years. Sprinkle on top of the mulch and allow rain or irrigation to wash into the soil. A soil test will identify any problems or special needs that may exist. Leaving a column of soil when planting will prevent the plant from settling too deeply.
Camellias prefer to be planted near the top of the soil.
In the past, because of their slow growth habit, plants had more or less been allowed to grow. Pruning camellias, however, will benefit both the plant and the flowers it produces. Pruning can be done for the purposes of reducing insect and disease problems. This type of pruning involves removing small branches and twigs that occur on limbs in the interior of the plant. The leaves of the small branches are a haven for scale and other pests.