Camellias: Planting Multiple Trunks Close Together

It's common to find camellias sold with two or more trunks in a single pot. Nurseries often start multiple cuttings together to ensure at least one strong plant survives. Sometimes both cuttings root and thrive, resulting in a plant with several trunks.

If you've purchased such a camellia and separated the tangled roots into individual plants, you might wonder whether planting them close together is acceptable. The answer is yes—there's no harm in letting them grow near each other. In fact, camellias naturally form dense thickets in the wild. Planting them close can create a fuller, more dramatic display.

However, if you prefer separate specimens, careful separation is perfectly fine. Just ensure each division has a healthy root system and plant them at the same depth they were growing. Water well and mulch to conserve moisture. Whether you keep them together or space them out, camellias are adaptable and will flourish with proper care.