Planting Out & Soil
If the soil is friable and well prepared planting should not be a problem. When removing plants from pots, take care not to pull the plant out by the stem as this can damage the root system. Tap the top lip of the pot in a downward direction and the pot should fall away easily.
Once free of the pot, the root ball can be teased out a little. This frees up some of the roots and encourages them to move out into the new soil. As a rule of thumb, make the planting hole twice the size of the root ball. Use good quality potting mix or rich, friable soil to back-fill around the plant. Firm the plant in by gently pressing the soil down around the root ball. Ensure that the top of the soil level in the pot is level with the top of the soil in the ground. Planting too deep is often fatal.
Water in your new planting immediately. A deep thorough watering is required initially, even if the soil is already moist. This helps to 'seat' the plant in.
Do not dig a hole in clay soil to plant your camellias. Clay soils need to be conditioned with the addition of organic matter, such as well composed manures or composted garden waste. Make sure the location is free draining and if possible the construction of a raised garden bed is ideal. If the position is water logged your plant will die.