CAMELLIA JAPONICA 
“Queen of the Garden,” blooming from early 
fall to late spring, with their peak in mid- 
winter, the Camellia Japonica offers an array 
of floral splendor when the garden is other- 
wise barren. It’s wide range of forms and 
color patterns make Camellia Japonica the 
most sought after plant today. And, in recent 
years it has gained more and more popularity 
with the floral trade as a cut flower for cor- 
sages, etc. 
Camellias can be grown in almost any soil 
however they are at their best in a good, well 
drained soil that has a slight acid reaction. 
They should be planted in full sun or partial 
shade. Complete shade is not desirable. A 
mixture of one-half garden soil, one-quarter 
peat moss or leaf mold and one-quarter well 
rotted cow manure should be used. Even in 
the best of soils the addition of peat moss or 
of leaf mold will prove beneficial. DON’T 
PLANT TOO DEEPLY. Plants should be 
placed in the ground at as near the same level 
as they were in the nursery as is possible. 
Planted too deeply they will not prosper and’ 
will very often die. Allow for settling by 
having the top of the ball several inches above’ 
ground level well covered with good garden 
soil. Mulching with half rotted leaves or peat 
will further aid in assuring you of having 
good strong healthy plants. 
Because the Camellia does best in a humid 
climate much attention should be given to 
watering. They like water but they must have 
good drainage. Never plant where the water 
will stand after a hard rain. | 
Camellia foliage is sometimes attacked by 
several forms of scales. A spray with water, 
oil emulsion and Black Leaf 40 will control 
most scale and insect pests. Spray should be 
applied in the spring after the danger of frost 
is over, but before the sun is too hot and early 
in the fall. Much care should be taken to wet 
the underside of the leaves thoroughly. 
Od, oe 
