CAMELLIAS 
The Loveliest of All Flowers 
Camellias are one of our most important spe- 
cialties. We are continually testing and experi- 
menting to find new and better ways of bring- 
ing these exotic shrubs to you in the finest forms. 
The very best horticultural practices are fol- 
lowed here—fertilizing, spraying, mulching, and 
watering are all necessary for really good results. 
Our stock consists of hundreds of small and 
medium-sized plants, and for those who are look- 
ing for a real gem—something superfine—we 
can also supply large specimens. They are trans- 
planted and root pruned, and we pride ourselves 
on the good job of handling which we can do. We 
have moved many fine large old plants with per- 
fect results. 
Camellias are not at all difficult to grow in 
Central Florida and the shapely plants, with rich 
dark green foliage, are attractive when out of 
bloom as well as when covered with the exotic 
flowers. After experimenting with soil and mois- 
ture conditions for several years at Dupree Gar- 
dens, we have come to the conclusion that moisture 
is the most important requirement. We find that 
ideal growing conditions are provided by good soil 
composed of peat or muck well mixed with sandy 
topsoil and leaf mold, all used in generous amounts 
with plenty of moisture. Camellias will succeed 
in full sun or dense shade, but more desirable than 
either of these extremes is a half-shaded location. 
Grafted Camellias 
Many varieties of Camellias are available only in grafted 
plants, and many cannot be grown successfully in Central 
Florida on their own roots. Grafting is also the quickest 
method of obtaining rare sorts of flowering size. Consider- 
ing this, we do not think grafted Camellias are unreasonably 
expensive. We offer many of the rarest and newest va- 
rieties grafted on strong growing roots. Understocks vary 
in age from 5 to 10 years; most of our grafts are | year old, 
because of the heavy demand. Several varieties are ob- 
tainable in fine 2-year-old plants, and we have a limited 
number of nice big budded specimens 3 years and older. 
New and Rare Camellias 
For fifteen years we have tested many varieties of 
Camellias. Some have been outstanding, others good, and 
some only fair. Each year we have added some excellent 
kinds to our collection, but those that were a disappoint- 
ment to us or that are hard to handle have been omitted 
entirely. Besides those listed here we have a limited quan- 
tity of some other varieties that you may be interested in. 
In case you are unable to find some particular Camellia, 
let us know your wishes and we may be able to help you 
locate a specimen. 
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