


Soils 
In the culture of either azaleas or camellias it is 
essential to have a well drained soil. The plants 
should never be placed where water may stand for 
even a few hours since this will often kill them, or 
at least result in very poor growth. Camellias are 
not so exacting in their soil requirements as are the 
azaleas, but will be more satisfactory if planted in 
congenial soil. A soil conducive to good camellia 
growth should be rich, acid, and of good porosity. 
A well prepared soil for camellias or azaleas can be 
made by mixing one part of well-rotted stable 
manure, two parts of peat moss or woods mould, and 
three parts of sandy loam or garden earth. 
Planting 
The plant should be reset into the soil only so deep 
as it was growing previous to being moved. It should 
be well watered at the time of planting, then mulched 
heavily to prevent the soil from drying out and also 
to maintain a cool temperature about the roots of 
the plant. Camellias and azaleas should never suf- 
fer for want of water for such a condition will result 
in poor growth and few flowers. 
Fertilize the plants in late winter or early spring, 
then again about the end of June if the soil is poor. 
Cotton seed meal is a very good and easily obtain- 
able fertilizer. Castor bean meal is even better as 
it helps to keep the moles out of the soil. Any 
medium analysis fertilizer that is acid in its reaction 
will do, but it is best to use a brand that has been 
especially prepared for camellia and azalea culture. 
Camellias and azaleas thrive in full sun or shade, 
but the bloom will last for a longer time in partial 
shade where it is protected from sun and frost. The 
Kurume azaleas will set more buds and bloom more 
profusely in the shade than the Indicas. Some camel- 
lias will lose their buds if planted where they re- 
ceive the morning rays of the winter sun. This is 
due to the sudden thawing after a night of freezing 
temperature. A heavy watering before and after 
freezing weather is very helpful in keeping the plant 
in good condition and from dropping its buds. 
Pests 
Azaleas and camellias have very few pests. The 
scale which feeds on the undersides of the leaves 
and sometimes on the twigs can be controlled by 
spraying with nursery Volck, Sunoco, or any good 



