|
Classic Camellias
Few
flowering plants look as elegant in shady spots as camellias.
With their lush, rose-like flowers and their glossy evergreen
leaves, they add beauty to bright shady spots throughout the
year. Because they are fall and winter flowering, they add
interest in the garden when many other plants have finished for
the year.
Although some may think camellias are difficult and fussy, they
really have only one more requirement than most flowering shrubs
and that is that they like their soil to be acidic. The pH of
the soil can either be lowered with an application of sulfur or
the planting hole can be filled with a soil mix specially
designed to meet the needs of lower pH plants. Once the initial
soil amendments have been added, using a fertilizer specially
formulated for acid loving plants like Whitney Farms Azalea,
Camellia and Rhododendron Fertilizer will keep them happy.
Most
camellias prefer to be planted in a location that gets filtered
light all day or morning light and afternoon shade. Camellia
sasanquas, however, can be planted in full sun on the coast.
Camellias need regular watering and more frequent watering
during hot spells. Mulching is helpful to not only retain
moisture, but keep roots cool. Camellias are perfectly suited
for our location as they are cold hardy in zones 7-10.
Camellia blooms come in a variety of colors and can be double or
single. Check out the links in the left hand column to see some
of the varieties we carry.
|
