
(amelhias 
These garden aristocrats each year are gatn- 
ing more and more popularity, more than any 
other known shrub. The various camellia so- 
cieties throughout the country in the “camellia 
belt” are having camellia shows every year. 
These shows bear evidence of the increasing 
popularity of the camellias from year to year. 
Contrary to popular belief camellias are not 
difficult to grow. There are many fine old 
specimens scattered throughout Califorma 
that have been growing and producing beau- 
tiful blossoms with little or no care. How- 
ever, they prefer and do best ma WELL 
DRAINED POSITION, an eastern expo- 
sure sheltered from the hot afternoon sun ts 
ideal. Full shade is a poor location as the 
plants will not bloom freely. Where drainage 
is very poor it 1s advisable to build a raised 
section in your garden, which may be held 
with rocks and then filled with a good sandy 
sou mixture made up of sandy loam, leaf mold 
and/or peat moss. We recommend that all 
camellias be planted higher in the ground than 
they were formerly grown, at least an inch or 
two and that the ground be built up and sloped 
away from the ball. 
Camellias like moisture conditions similar 
to those necessary to grow a good lawn. That 
1s, never allow the plant to become thoroughly 
dry during the summer and fall. Over-water- 
ing 1s also to be avoided as this is one of the 
causes of bud drop. Other causes of bud drop 
are poor drainage and surface cultivation. 
Never cultivate your camellias ; instead mulch 
(about I inch deep) in the spring with leaf 
mold, peat moss, or well rotted cow manure— 
or better, a mxture of all three. 
Camellias will stand pruning—and it is 
necessary at tumes to shape the plant by cut- 
ting back rapid growth. To make bushy speci- 
mens and more flower buds, we recommend 
picking the flowers as this will help to branch 
the plant and give you more branches and 
therefore more flower buds in years to come. 
All our camellias are container grown and 
can be shipped or planted at any time of the 
year. We ship by Railway Express, charges 
collect. 

