CAMELLIA JAPONICA 
The Camellia Japonica has long been acclaimed the 
“Aristocrat of the Southern Garden” and has in recent 
years gained popularity in the floral trade. Blooming 
at a time when the garden is otherwise barren and its 
great range of forms and colors make the Camellia Ja- 
ponica the most sought after plant today. 
Camellia grows in almost any soil, but well drained 
good garden soil a little acid in reaction is more suitable. 
A semi-shady location is preferable, especially when the 
plants are young. Free blooming cannot be expected 
in complete shade. 
The root system of the Camellia is rather course and 
does not transplant as easily as the Azalea. Being a 
gross feeder, it responds well to fertilization. At the 
time of planting, if the soil is not fertile enough, use a 
mixture of one-half of garden soil, one-fourth of well- 
rotted stable manure and one-fourth of peat or leaf mold. 
Every winter or early spring apply well rotted cow 
manure, bone meal or cotton seed meal or similar com- 
mercial fertilizer. Mulching with half rotted leaves or 
peat is also beneficial. As the Camellia thrives in a 
humid atmosphere attention should be given to watering. 
Frequent syringing on the leaves helps a great deal 
during the dry summer months. 
Proper pruning is also essential; water shoots, dead or 
injured branches and branches growing too close togeth- 
er should be pruned with care. General pruning should 
be done during the month of February so as to have 
the least effect on the flower buds. 
Red spider and various scales may attack Camellias, 
but can be easily controlled. We have been using “Volck, 
Jr” or “Florida Volck” at the ratio of 1 to 50, adding 
one to two teaspoonful of Black Leaf Forty to every 
gallon of solution. Avoid, if possible, spraying in the 
late Fall or during the winter as a severe freeze causes 
much damage. This is especially true when an oil spray 
is used. 
Overlook 4 Nursery 

