Planting and Care of Camellias, 
Agaleas and Rhedodendrous 
HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW WHEN PLANTING 
CAMELLIAS, RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS, AND HELPFUL 
HINTS ON THEIR CARE AND MAINTENANCE 
1. The best location for planting is governed by your climate. If summer suns 
are extremely hot for long periods use semi-shaded areas. Allow at least 3 feet space 
between plant and object. Protect young plants from hot summer sun with lath shade 
which may be discontinued as plants grow larger. As they grow they get hardier. 
NOTE—Rhododendrons are classified as to best planting location. Azaleas can be 
planted 1 to 1% feet apart or farther, bush form 3 feet apart. 
2. These plants are easy to grow with the correct soil. They thrive in loose, 
loamy soil with good drainage. We attain this soil with the use of peat-moss, rotted 
vegetation or leaf mold or well-rotted sawdust. Sand may be added in hole before 
planting to insure good drainage to clay soil. 
3. Do not over-fertilize. IF you use well-rotted barnyard fertilizer use only on 
top of ground. Be sure to keep away from Azaleas as they do not like fertilizers. Never 
use any fertilizers which contain lime as they are acid loving plants. Any acid fertilizer 
is good. We use Vigoro with very good results. Sprinkle 1 or 2 handfuls around plant 
on top of ground. A very large plant could use a little more. We fertilize them twice 
a year, once in early fall and once in early spring. To maintain an acid soil condition 
sprinkle 1 cup of Epsom salts on top of the ground around each plant. Be sure to 
water Vigoro and Epsom Salts into the ground. Use sparingly so that fiber roots on 
top of ground do not get burned from over-fertilizing. 
4. The watering of these plants is very important. The fiber roots grow close 
to the top of the ground and therefore will dry out if not watered during the dry 
months of the year. The peat moss you put on top of ground around your plants will 
help to hold the moisture. All three of these shrubs like water on their foliage. 
Sprinklers can be turned on them every two or three days in hot weather. 
If these maintenance instructions are followed you should have healthy plants 
with good green foliage and normal sized blooms. Remember, the care you give 
your plants will show. 
5. PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS—LEAVE BURLAP ON PLANT AS IT HOLDS 
ROOTS TOGETHER AND KEEPS WIND FROM WHIPPING PLANT LOOSE IN 
GROUND. THIS APPLIES TO ALL SHRUBS. DIG HOLE 8 INCHES LARGER 
THAN BALL OF PLANT. IF YOUR SOIL IS CLAY, FILL IN BOTTOM OF HOLE 
WITH SAND FOR DRAINAGE. MIX SOIL AND PEAT MOSS OR ROTTED VEGETA- 
TION TOGETHER WITH HANDFUL OF VIGORO. SET PLANT IN HOLE SO 
THAT TOP OF BALL IS EVEN WITH THE GROUND. FILL HALF OF THE HOLE 
AROUND PLANT WITH PEAT MOSS AND SOIL AND LITTLE VIGORO, PACK 
SOLID. NOW POUR A COUPLE OF BUCKETS OF WATER IN HOLE AND ALLOW 
TO SETTLE. FINISH FILLING HOLE WITH MIXTURE AND ADD 2 OR 3 INCHES 
OF PEAT MOSS OR LEAF MOLD ON TOP OF GROUND TO INSURE MOISTURE 
FOR TOP FEEDER ROOTS. SPRINKLE TOP OF GROUND WELL WHEN FINISHED. 

Portland Camellia Nursery 
Camellias — 350 Varieties 
3307 N. Williams Ave. Phone TUxedo 2883 Portland, Oregon 
