I love Camellias
Camellias are native to China and Japan. They were first imported to western gardens in the 18thcentury. Luckily they survived the long journey on the East India Company voyage to the U.S. The leaf bud of Camellia sinensis was used for tea.
Camellias grow well in moist, mild winter areas like the South, California and the Pacific Northwest. The autumn blooming C.sasanqua grows in areas of zone 6 if protected. Camellias like some shade in summer and well-drained, slightly acidic, humus-rich soil. The Sasanqua is best for full sun. They can grow to 12 feet unless you buy a dwarf variety.
I have 13 of them (just walked out to count them), and they are full of buds. I also have a baby Camellia that I won, oddly enough at a rose society meeting. Haven’t quite figured out where to put him yet.
Camellias produce many flowers with striking colors, from deep reds to soft pinks and whites. The shrubs serve as hedges or stand alone as trees with big evergreen glossy leaves.
I heard a long time ago that you need to remove the old blossoms from underneath the shrub or you will get fungus.
Scale is the most serious pest. Heavy infestations can cause extensive leaf yellowing, leaf drop (defoliation) dieback, and plant death.
Wipeout - an organic fish oil that works well as a contact kill and Merit is a good systemic product.
Mine should start blooming any day now and I will enjoy them for months to come. What more can you ask from a shrub?
