Known as the "Queen of Winter Flowers," camellias have for some reason earned an unfair reputation for being difficult to grow.
Yes, they are susceptible to fungal diseases and scale attacks, but so are other plants. And it's true that they don't like salt spray, temperature changes and watering, but neither do I.
This undated photograph provided by Planting Fields Archives shows a Camellia japonica bush growing at the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, New York. (Vincent A. Simeone/Planted Land Archives via AP)
These aromatic, long-flowered shrubs from the tea family are nothing special, but they do have some requirements: they should be planted in rich, fertile, well-drained soil, moist but never wet, and fed once a year, immediately after of flowering. . , with fertilizer designed for acidophilic plants.
Fertilizing with about an inch of compost each year will provide a beneficial nutritional boost, but gardeners should refrain from overfertilizing them or planting them under larger trees, which could starve them of resources.
Heavy pruning is usually not necessary, but if necessary it is best to do it immediately after flowering. Remove old, dead stems and branches that may interfere with bud formation and, if desired, prune to control the size and shape of the bush.
Camellias are also deer resistant, so they are not on the list of favorite pet foods. But as those who garden in deer country know, hungry deer (like hungry Jessica) will probably eat almost anything.
This undated photo provided by Planting Fields Archives shows Camellia japonica 'Winter Cupid' in bloom at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, New York. (Vincent A. Simeone/Planted Land Archives via AP)
The two most common types of camellia, Alabama's state flower, are the Japanese camellia and the sasanqua. Both are native to Asia and can be planted alone, in rows along foundations, in the border of shrubs or as informal hedges.
Camellia japonica is a spring-flowering plant with dense pyramidal branches that grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. These species include species with white, pink, red, yellow, and lavender flowers.
Its cousin Camellia sasanqua is an autumn plant that will brighten the garden in early winter with its single, semi-double or double flowers in pink or white. They are more sun tolerant than Japanese plants (as long as the soil remains moist) and have fewer pest and disease problems, but they are not as reliable.
Both species require slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Test the soil before planting and, if necessary, add peat moss or elemental sulfur to lower the pH, or dolomite lime to raise it. Follow package directions for dosage.
Planting camellias outside the target pH range can cause iron deficiency and yellowing foliage.
Overall, there are thousands of strains and varieties to choose from. Most of these plants are hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, but in recent years breeders have developed hybrids that can withstand temperatures above or below standard.
This undated photo provided by Planting Fields Archives shows Camellia japonica 'Pink Perfection' in bloom at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, New York. (Landing file via AP)
For example, 'Polar Ice', 'Snow Squall' and 'Winter's Charm' can grow successfully in zone 6, while 'Yuletide' and 'Pink Perfection' tolerate tropical heat in zone 10.
Be sure to choose a variety suitable for your climate; Plant labels and catalog descriptions should contain detailed information about their ideal growing conditions, including the lowest and highest temperatures each plant can tolerate.
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Jessica Damiano writes the award-winning weekly Dirt newsletter and a regular gardening column for AP. Sign up here to receive weekly gardening tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.
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This undated photo provided by Planting Fields Archives shows a Camellia japonica bush in 'April Winter' bloom at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, New York. (Vincent A. Simeone/Planted Land Archives via AP)
