Specialty Gardening: Should I prune this Camellia sasanqua?, 1 by soilsandup

soilsandup wrote:
I cut about a 10-20% of it way back (depending on the shape that I want and where I want new branches to grow out) and keep the branches that are in the shape that I like. In a few years, those cut branches will reach the size that I want, and the uncut branches will then be cut to start the cycle over again. Once the camellia reaches the size that I like, I start this type of pruning. The problem with cutting a little from each branch, you will get two branches forming from the cut one, and then so on and each of those new branches may get spindly over time. So, I cut way back to force new stronger growth, but doing it judiciously so that the plant doesn't look "hacked". It takes a little more time, but the results are so much better. I also use the branches for arrangements, and that process in itself keeps the plant in check. Here is a photo of one of my sansaqua camellias - white doves. It blooms in Nov/Dec/Jan when most other plants are dormant.