The Camellia and Its Culture 
This genus of exotic winter blooming shrubs or small trees has a very interesting 
history. It was named Camellia in honor of George Camellusor Kamel, a Morovian 
Jesuit who traveled in Asia and wrote a history of the plants found on his trips. A book 
written during the early Tokugawa Era (about 1630) in Japan lists over five hundred 
different varieties. About 1739, one finds these plants in Europe. From about 1830 
to 1860, Camellias were being cultivated to a high degree in Europe and America. Ber- 
lese's Monograph, published in 1840 in France, lists over seven hundred varieties. Now 
in 1935, almost one hundred years later, the camellias are again in demand by plant 
lovers for garden and greenhouses. 
The wax-like flowers of pink, white, red or variegated are set off by its luxuriant 
background of dark or light green foliage. The camellias can be had in bloom as early 
as October or as late as April, depending upon your choice. The height of the season is 
middle February. 
For best success locate a place that is sheltered from the wind and where the hot 
rays of the summer sun are broken by either the natural shade of trees or artificially 
given by lattice work. Most of the plants are grown under lath or other shade in the 
nursery and the plants will have to be gradually sun tanned or they will sunburn. 
A slightly acid soil is essential for good growth. As soils vary in their reaction 
according to locality, it is very difficult to give any hard and fast rules on the proper soil 
mixture. We use acid peat 1 part, well composted garden loam 4 parts (or a mixture of 
1 part well rotted manure, 3 parts garden loam, and 1 part sand if the soil is very heavy.) 
Good drainage is necessary. 
When planting the camellia, DO NOT REMOVE THE BURLAP as to do so 
may damage the roots. The burlap rots very readily. Water copiously, then stake and 
shade if needed. The flower buds are formed in late spring and develop during the sum¬ 
mer and fall. It is important therefore to keep it well watered during that time. Garden 
Volck will take care of any of the insects, but a strong spraying of water on the plants 
whenever watering will keep off all these pests. 
Camellias can be fed with bone and blood mixture or (cotton seed or mustard seed 
meal) or a complete commercial fertilizer. Fertilize soon after flowering and again in 
the fall, the last feeding lighter than the spring one. 
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