Camellia (kah-mel’-i-ah) – Evergreen shrubs and trees, a native of China and Japan, belonging to the Tea family, Theaceae.
They are prized for their handsome glossy-green leaves, showy, single, semi-double and double flowers, adapted for outdoor cultivation in the milder parts of the United States.
The Latin name, Camellia, honors the Moravian Jesuit missionary and botanist George Joseph Kamel.
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
It is a common saying among experienced gardeners that many plants are at their best just before frost cuts them down. This we know is due, at least in part, to the very helpful influence of the cooler nights. In the greenhouse, we have this condition continued indefinitely without danger of frost. This, and the … Read more
Summary: This article is an excerpt from the book “Camellia Culture” published over 60 years ago in a flower magazine. The information is just as valuable today as it was when it was first published. Where To Plant Camellias? When deciding where to plant a Camellia, there are several leading factors to take into account. These should … Read more
There is such a vast difference in the beauty and habits of various camellias that the home gardener who has “got the bug” should have some help before they start collecting them. The camellia is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves. It bears single, semidouble, or fully double flowers in white, pink, red, and … Read more