Camellias
Varieties that bloom at midseason may be selected and planted as the first flowers open and the full crop enjoyed in the garden. Some of the best of the midseason camellias include such old favorites as Alba Plena, Pink Perfection, and Ville de Nantes.
Late-flowering varieties may be planted now for the full benefit of the season’s blooms.
In the Deep South, these may not perform well if hot weather catches the buds, but they may be preferable to midseason bloomers in the fringe areas of the camellia belt as they are more likely to escape cold injury.
Other species besides Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua are worthwhile. Especially recommended is Camellia granthamiana from Hong Kong, which seems adaptable to cold as well as hot climates.
The multi-flowered Williamsii hybrids are charming. Camellia reticulata has not been very satisfactory in the South.
Roses
Bare-root roses are best planted in December or January in a location that gets sun several hours a day year-round. Beware of making the bed where there is sun in winter, but shade in summer when trees leaf out or shadows change with the sun’s altered path.
Dig out the holes to 18″ inches; fill with a combination of 1/4 humus, 1/4 manure, and 1/2 good topsoil.
As soon as you receive your rose bushes, submerge them to half their height in a huge clean can of water and soluble fertilizer (at half the recommended dilution for garden use) and let plants soak overnight.
Watering
Moisture in the soil helps plants survive the cold because low temperatures, especially when accompanied by wind, are very dehydrating.
The overcast days of winter are deceiving as the ground may be very dry. Thorough soaking of the soil (but not light sprinkling) is needed to sustain shrubs and trees during and after difficult periods.
Annuals
Bedding plants of cool-growing annuals may be set out in most sections:
- Calendula
- Pansy
- Sweet-alyssum
- Snapdragon
- and whatever else is available locally
Seedlings in peat pots are worth a higher price than bare-root annuals. They suffer no disturbance in transplanting, and the percentage of survivors is considerably higher.