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1S69.] THE CAMELLIA AS A SHRUBBERY PLANT. 139 



THE CAMELLIA AS A SHRUBBERY PLANT. 



]T may not be generally known that the Camellia is comparatively as hardy 

 as the common Laurel, and as manageable, since when well established it 

 will bear any amount of cutting back and trimming into shape, while the 

 beautiful dark green colour of the glossy foliage contrasts admirably with 

 the lighter-foliage d plants in the shrubbery. Therefore, I see no reason why it 

 should not be more extensively used for intermixing with other shrubs in the 

 open borders. 



It is generally supposed that the localities in which Camellias will flourish 

 are confined to the south and south-westerly parts of the country, but I do not 

 see why a plant so suitable and desirable should be entirely confined to those 

 districts, as it is growing here side by side with Laurels, Hollies, Portugal Laurels, 

 and Rhododendrons, and submitting to any amount of frost with an equal degree 

 of impunity, so that we may reasonably conclude that it is equally hardy. "With 

 a little more attention paid to securing a suitable compost to plant them in, 

 Camellias may take a prominent place as shrubbery plants. In sheltered situa- 

 tions, and in favourable seasons, they will produce flowers most profusely ; but 

 as this takes place in the early spring, they are liable to have the flowers dis- 

 coloured by the morning frosts, so that their flowering must, in a general way, 

 only be looked upon as a secondary object where they are planted for the sake of 

 their foliage in the mixed border. 



Supposing, however, the production of flowers to be the primary object, it 

 would only be necessary to select a very sheltered situation, and to provide a 

 temporary framework, with a canvass covering to stretch over them at night, as 

 soon as the flowers begin to expand. This would preserve them in great beauty 

 for a long time, and under very favourable conditions as to soil and season the 

 flowers would be as fine as most of those grown under glass. Without protection 

 during the time of inflorescence, such a result cannot be attained in the midland 

 counties ; yet, although this might be urged as an objection, it need not militate 

 against their being planted for the sake of their foliage, taking the flowers 

 according to the seasons — sometimes fine without any care or trouble, at others 

 nipped off in the height of beauty in a single night. 



For flowering purposes a warm and sheltered southern aspect is best, other- 

 wise no regard need be paid to aspect, as the plants will grow on any — east, west, 

 north, or south ; but it is necessary to observe that the situation in which they 

 are planted should be sheltered from boisterous and cutting winds. Mere cold 

 will not hurt them, but when it is accompanied with fierce and driving winds, it 

 is apt to discolor the foliage very much. As a general rule, shady borders are 

 more favourable for the development of the foliage than those which are exposed 

 to the full glare of the sun ; and hence they are found to be capital plants for 

 covering a north wall. From such a situation I have gathered, even this season, 



