The Camellia long ago (75 years) was only a “southern landscape plant.” But, then, incredulous as it may seem, camellias moved North!
True, they may not have reached Minnesota or Maine. Still, as far North as New York City and vicinity, they have been successfully grown outdoors by a few ardent enthusiasts with a zest for experimenting with the “impossible.”
This growing trend was just the beginning and the promise of what continues to be a great future.
What continues is more hybridization and selection with camellia cold tolerance in mind and then regional testing accompanied by reporting so that all may benefit from the experience of others. A little background information will help you to evaluate the possibility of growing camellias in your area.
The various species of most plant families vary considerably in their adaptability to environmental factors. Closely related varieties vary in requirements for soil types, pH values, mineral elements, moisture, and resistance to cold, insects, and disease.
For example, wheat varieties are selected for fall or spring planting partly because they vary in their camellia temperature tolerance. Peaches, apples, and pears may be selected to tolerate cold, moderate, or warmer areas.
Citrus species are considered semi-tropical, but a few types grow in cold areas.
The genera and species in the great Tea family of Theaceae, of which the Camellia is one, cover a wide range of tolerance. Within the camellia genus, there are many species and varieties with great variation.
When species are crossed, the resulting hybrids will vary in many respects. The problem then is to produce or select varieties to meet specific requirements. Within the last few years, the selection of camellia varieties with greater cold tolerance has received attention from commercial and amateur growers.
There are probably many stray camellia plants grown in back yards from Florida to New York. No doubt many attempts to grow camellias up North have failed.
My grandfather first attempted to grow camellias in New York back in 1928 with camellia plants propagated from cuttings sent from the campus of the University of Washington. They succeeded and grew well until 1932 when they were severely damaged by severe winter weather.
The temperature dropped to at least 20° below zero. However, the plants were not killed. After severe pruning, they made a compact growth and produced a good crop of flowers the following spring.
Of course, as Gramp’s said, “The winter of 1932-1933 was severe enough to damage or kill many species of hardy plants.” Privet hedges, climbing roses, some varieties of peach, rhododendron, laurel, holly,, and azalea were either killed or damaged.
Since that severe winter, rhododendrons and azaleas had damaged leaves and branches when none appeared on the camellias.
In some places and on some varieties of camellias, both leaves and flower buds were damaged. At the same time, some Camellia varieties were not injured.
Camellias can be grown in many parts of Long Island, and New Jersey is a reason for encouragement. The fact that they have withstood even lower temperatures than generally occur in these areas indicates their potential hardiness.
There should be a concerted effort on all camellia lovers and societies to establish test gardens from east to west and south to North. There are thousands of named varieties to start testing, and new seedlings are being introduced each year.
Suggestions for Planting Camellias in the North
- Spring planting is recommended. Fall-set plants do not have time to become established before winter.
- Single or semi-double varieties are more resistant to cold than are double varieties.
- Early-flowering varieties perform better in the North than do the later-flowering varieties.
- Potted plants are preferable to bare roots as the taproot is often injured when dug from the field.
- Protect plants from strong winds by planting near a building or a closely woven fence. It is generally desirable to provide some shade in summer.
- Sudden late freezes in spring often prove more damaging than low temperatures during the winter.
by PW Zimmerman