CULTURE OF AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS 
Camellias and azaleas are so nearly alike in their soil requirements, 
water relations and culture, that information regarding their general cul- 
ture can be combined. 
Azaleas and camellias should be transplanted during their semi-dormant 
season—i.e., that period from the time growth hardens off in November 
until new growth begins in the Spring, usually April. Plants that have been 
dug and balled and burlapped during the Winter can be kept ‘heeled in” 
in sawdust or peat or light soil and planted into their permanent places 
much later than they can be dug from the soil and replanted. It is not con- 
sidered a safe practice to have a nurseryman dig and ship plants to you 
after new growth has begun. 
SOIL . 
The soil requirements of camellias and azaleas are much alike. The soil 
should be well drained, fertile, and acid. During dry weather it is very 
important that a thorough watering be 
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anes, given the plants about twice a week. 
ee oS Camellias and azaleas should never 
PLANT SRA 
SHALLOW ~ AVAL 
S WATER 
LIBERALLY 
be planted where water will stand for 
even a short period of time. 
A good soil mixture for camellias 
and azaleas is composed of one part 
well rotted cow manure, two parts 
woods mold and one part sandy loam. 
In localities where the soil is natural- 
ly fertile and heavy, the mixture can 
temeny be altered accordingly. A commercial 
fertilizer should be applied each 
Spring. There are several special aza- 
lea and comellia fertilizers on the mar- 
Most of them are excellent. 
Camellias and azaleas will not 
thrive in soil containing free lime, such 
as is found around the base of a 
building where plaster and mortar have fallen. Builders and purchasers 
of new homes should investigate this aspect. If these materials are pres- 
ent the top soil should be replaced. 

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CAMELLIA PROPERLY SET 
PLANTING 
Camellias have been used in all sorts of plantings. They are at their 
best, however, when used as specimen plants in some pattern of sym- 
metry. Camellias are excellent for portal (or entrance) plantings. They 
thrive in semi-shade, however, a few varieties do well in full sun. We will 
be glad to advise you regarding varietiés for your locality. A spot that is 
shaded until 10 a.m. is preferred. 
The soil should be prepared in advance of receipt of plants. Upon ar- 
rival the plants should be set in the soil as soon as possible. Dig the hole 
about twice the size of the burlapped ball of roots and soil, and a few 
inches deeper. Fill with good soil around and under the ball, so as to have 
the plant set no deeper than it was growing in the nursery. It is preferable 
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