There’s a special sparkle in the garden when you plant annual poppies. It’s impossible to duplicate it with any other annual, for the poppy has a built-in charm and showiness quite different in effect. Being among the few annuals that thrive on heat and drought, resent pre-planting and transplanting fuss, and shrug away insects, poppies … Read more
Editors Note: This article was first published in 1961 but does give us some history of growing Camellias. The fame of camellias in the deep South and along the Gulf Coast has been worldwide for more than a hundred years. The magnificent old plants at Magnolia, Middleton and other long-established gardens in very mild regions were, … Read more
Most successful camellias are found growing on slightly acid soils, and the drainage must be good. Such soils are usually sandy, well-drained, and well aerated. Drainage and soil aeration for Camellias are equally as important as soil acidity, if not more so. Yet so much emphasis has been given to the need for acidity that … Read more
Camellia growers seldom get into trouble from using organic soil amendments such as peat, well-rotted sawdust, or bagasse. Frequently it is desirable to supplement these organics with mineral fertilizer or to add other organics such as cottonseed meal. A mixture that has worked well on neutral to slightly alkaline soils is made up of: 5 … Read more
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 … Read more
In New Orleans, before 1930, camellias could not be grown satisfactorily. Only a few miles away, to the east, north, and west, however, they flourished with little or no care. This seemingly paradoxical situation set off many an inquiry into these beautiful plants’ cultural requirements. Camellias, that is to say, now flourish in New Orleans … Read more
In the Pacific, Northwest camellias may be planted either in full sun or part shade. Usually, those planted in full sun will have more and larger blossoms, but the blooms on those produced in part shade will last longer. Flowers all start with planting and fertilizer for Camellias. They may be planted in almost any … Read more
Camellias Japonica and other Camellia varieties are some of the most popular shrubs used in landscaping home grounds on the Pacific Coast and the southeastern states. Due to the normally mild climate of this area, it is possible to grow all but the most tender varieties. Even in the most severe winter on record, when … Read more
In the south, Camellias may be planted any time from early November to late March. However, due to the normal human desire for immediate effects, most planting is done in February or early March when the plants bloom. While there are few fatalities among the plants due to this late planting, it is decidedly not … Read more
Camellias cannot be surpassed by any of the broadleaved evergreen shrubs in all those areas where they may be grown as garden plants. Any garden in which they are used freely is lifted out of the commonplace, and even a single specimen improves its own surroundings. Not only do camellias make fine specimen plants, but … Read more