CAMELLIA JAPONICA 
The Camellia Japonica has long been acclaimed the 
“Aristocrat of the Southern Garden” and has in re- 
cent years gained much popularity in the floral trade. 
Blooming at a time when the garden is otherwise 
barren and its great range of colors and attractive 
forms make the Camellia Japonica one of the most 
sought after plants today. 
Camellias grow 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 coarse 
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 garden soil, one-fourth well- 
rotted stable manure and one-fourth of peat or leaf 
mold. Every winter or early spring apply well 
rotted manure, bone meal or cotton seed meal or 
similar commercial fertilizer. Mulching with half 
rotted leaves or peat is also beneficial. Attention 
should be given to watering as a humid atmosphere 
is preferred. 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 twigs too close together 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 these can be easily controlled. A good spray is 
Volek Jr. or Florida Volck used in the ratio to 1 to 50 
parts of water with one to two teaspoonfuls of Black 
Leaf 40 to every gallon of solution. Avoid, if possible, 
spraying in the late Fall or during the Winter as a 
severe freeze causes much damage when an oil spray 
is used. 
Overlook Varieties 
During the past ten years we have introduced some 
25 new varieties of Camellia Japonica that were de- 
veloped by our Mr. K. Sawada. These are outstand- 
ing varieties that have already won wide acclaim 
throughout the country. Many of these have been 
prize winners and have won wide-spread admiration 
in Camellia shows and exhibits during the past sev- 
eral years. 
