CAMELLIA, C. M. WILSON 
HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR CAMELLIAS 
In order that you may derive the maximum enjoyment from the lovely Camellias and 
Azaleas you have purchased from us these cultural hints are offered. Time and experience 
have proven to us the use of these directions will insure success. 
LOCATION: 
The Camellia and Azalea are shade loving plants, so the north or east side of the house 
or garden is the most suitable planting site; however, protection from the hot summer mid- 
day sun is of prime importance, regardless of what location you select. Shade is ideally 
provided by a lath house, naturally provided by trees, and may be temporarily provided by 
the erection of a lath or cloth shelter for protection during the summer months. 
PLANTING CAMELLIAS: 
Camellias like a well drained soil and a cool, moist condition for their roots. In the 
lighter soil dig a hole 24 x 24x 24 inches and mix the topsoil taken from the hole with equal 
parts of moistened peat moss and leaf mould. In heavy soil add coarse sand to the peat moss, 
leaf mould and topsoil. As a heavy soil often presents a drainage problem, use a post-hole 
digger to further deepen the planting hole by another 18 inches, and fill this hole as well as 
the bottom of the larger hole with coarse gravel or broken pottery to aid drainage. Tamp 
the soil well as you proceed with the planting, otherwise the Camellia will settle and be too 
deep when the job is finished. The plant should always be set a trifle higher than it was 
in the original container. The root-ball should be moist at the time of planting, and if the 
root system appears to be crowded the outer roots may be gently loosened with the fingers 
or a stick. When the planting is finished water thoroughly and slowly, checking to make 
sure that all air pockets are filled. Watering is very important—remember a plant in light 
soil will take more water than one in heavy soil, and a plant in the shade will require less 
water than one in semi-shade. Frequent syringing of the foliage is very beneficial during 
the summer months, but avoid either wetting or spraying the foliage during the heat of the 
day as sunburning will result. There can be no cut and dried rule for the watering of 
Camellias, they must be kept moist, but they will not stand an excess of water. Each garden 
will have a different water requirement, so you should check your own by digging down to 
a depth of several inches in the soil near your planting bed to determine from season to 
season the amount and frequency of irrigation, and keep the soil moist, not sloppy wet. 
PRUNING AND DISBUDDING: 
Camellias need shaping, some more than others. Any branch having a tendency to grow 
irregularly should either be straightened by staking or shaped by pruning. (Do not cut 
the main or upright central stem of the Chandleri Elegans or Francine until the plant has 
reached the desired height as their growth will be mostly lateral once the upright central 
stem is cut.) Some varieties have a spindly habit of growth and will be induced to bush by 
heading back the growth that occurs in the spring. Late season pruning may be postponed 
until blooming time so that no flowers need be lost. Always use a sharp knife or sharp shears 
so that a clean, easily healed cut will be made. Make a slanting cut close to an “eye” or 
leaf joint so no stubs remain to die back. Varieties that produce heavy crops should be 
disbudded. By mid-summer the flower buds may usually be distinguished from leaf buds, 
and terminal or tip clusters should be thinned to two buds, those along the stems should 
be spaced to two inches apart... . If possible, select buds at various stages of development 
so the blossoms will not all mature within a short time of each other. Avoid wetting the 
flower buds once they start to show color. 
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