GERBING’S AZALEA GARDENS 
CULTURAL INFORMATION 
Helps and Hints for Successfully Growing 
Camellias and Azaleas 
Camellia Japonica can successfully be trans¬ 
planted from early September through March. 
Azaleas can be transplanted the year around 
without injury. However, the best time is before 
they come into bloom, that is September through 
February. 
Soils Preferred 
Good drainage is necessary. They should not be 
planted where water stands for long periods. A 
bed 12”-18” deep of black fresh water pond muck 
is ideal, to this add well rotted dairy fertilizer, or 
Azalea Special. Cottonseed meai mixed with the 
muck is very beneficial. However, do not use cot¬ 
ton seed meal as a top dressing unless thoroughly 
washed in with the hose immediately. Cotton seed 
meal will burn if not dissolved with water, injuring 
the roots on Azaleas. 
Insect and Disease Control 
Camellias are attacked by several species of 
Scaie insects. If the leaves on Camellias are spot¬ 
ted and streaked yellow, this is usually caused by 
Scale on the underside of the leaves. They should 
be sprayed with Nursery Volk, Jr or Citro Mulsion, 
one part to 50 parts water. Spraying should be 
done in the spring or early summer. Spray from 
the underside so that all of the leaves are covered 
with spray on the underside. A warning, do not 
spray Camellias in late fall or winter, a sudden cold 
spell will often kill plants that have just been 
sprayed. 
There is also a fungus disease known as Formop- 
sis. This disease attacks the stem and branches of 
Camellias. It is apparent by branches shriveling 
and dying off, usually during the summer months. 
To control, spray with Bordeaux mixture, 8 pounds 
Bordeaux to 50 gallons of water; to this add IV 4 . 
pounds Kayso. This will cling to the branches for 
months, preventing the spread of this disease. 
Sometimes Azaleas are also attacked. These, too, 
should be sprayed with Bordeaux. 
Red Spider attacks both Camellias and Azaleas. 
It is apparent by dropping of many leaves on 
Azaleas, Camellia leaves become rusty brown in 
color. Control with S. A. T. Dust, Sulphur Dust, 
Arsenate of Lead and Tobacco Dust, 8 pounds Sul¬ 
phur, 1 pound Arsenate of Lead, 1 pound Tobacco 
Dust. Dust on early in the morning before the dew 
dries on the foliage. Dust from the underside of 
the leaves. 
