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 ob- 
tained. 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 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 cambium 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 exam- 
ined weekly. As soon as new growth has developed to a height of 3 to 4 inches the jar is re- 
moved 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 
system it would take twelve to fifteen years. The value of the understock used, the losses in- 
curred in grafting, the labor and the time required to carry out the grafting process, and the 
care which the plants require after growth begins, are reasons why prices for grafted plants 
must be relatively higher than those grown on their own roots. We cannot recommend graft- 
ed plants too highly because they are more vigorous in their growth and are more resistant 
to disease than those grown on their own roots. It is our custom, as a rule, to graft only 
when we are interested in growing rare varieties and kinds which are slow and difficult to 
propagate. 
This season we have over 3000 grafted plants to offer, the understock used ranging in age 
from four to twelve years. The young plants vary from 1 to 4 feet. We grow our grafted 
Camellias in full sun to produce bushy plants rather than to induce mere height. 
FERNANDINA, FLORIDA THREE 
