MARCHIONESS OF SALISBURY 

Grafted Camellias— 
Why they are superior to own-root plants 
We are often asked why we cut down fine shapely Camellia plants and graft young shoots 
on the remaining trunks. Then, too, we are often asked why we charge so much for grafted 
Camellias. Here are the answers: 
First of all let us say a word or two about grafting, as to methods and benefits to be 
obtained. Grafting is done in the winter months when the plants are dormant. Usually 
we select a good-sized plant from four to twelve years old, saw the top growth off to within 
an inch from the ground. The remaining stem is then split with a cleaver and the edges of 
the bark are smoothed with a sharp knife. Next a chisel is inserted in the stem to pry it 
apart slightly. Then one or more small twigs (or scions) of some fine rare Camellia variety 
are selected and a wedge is cut on each. The twigs (or scions) are inserted so that the cam- 
bium layers of the bark are in contact on each side of the stem. The chisel is then removed 
and the stem is covered with damp earth which is brought up to a height of about 2 inches 
around the twigs (or scions). A jar is then placed over the entire plant and a close-meshed 
piece of burlap is fastened over the entire job. A weather-proof label with the correct 
variety name is placed near the jar and the date of the grafting is also recorded. About the 
middle of April each jar is examined weekly. As soon as new growth has developed to a 
height of 3 to 4 inches the jar is removed and a heavy shade is placed over the graft. Each 
week the shading is raised to give the vigorous-growing plant more room for development. 
When the plant reaches a height of 18 inches, three stakes are driven around it to form a 
triangle. A piece of stout twine is used to hold the plant in place. This framework prevents 
the grafting from being broken by wind or workmen. All shading is then removed and a 
constant watch is kept on the plants to prevent the understock from sending up shoots. 
An understock ten to twelve years old will grow a top plant from 3 to 4 feet high in one 
season and often will set buds the first year. This vigorous growth continues until the top is 
again in balance with the root system, which requires four to six years. In other words, by 
grafting you can have a fine, large, rare Camellia in four to six years whereas on its own root 
GERBING’S AZALEA GARDENS 
