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 culture can be 
combined. 
Azaleas and camellias should be transplanted 
during their semi-dormant season—ie., 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 
2 important that 
CSV a thorough 
‘es = watering be 
PLANT SR WATER given the 
SHALLOW JY S)M 5 LIBERALLY plants about 
twice a week. 
Camellias and 
azaleas should 
never be 
planted where 
MULCH water will 
= stand for even 
uy a short period 
p. arr of time, 
D (interac. A good soil 
mixture for 
camellias and 
anne wade ass is 
€ ESEEEEE SESE Burntesisaen pee ag “ 
DO GOL AOS one part we 
OSQVOIS ERO 35 rotted cow 
manure, two parts woods mold and one part sandy 
loam. In localities where the soil is naturally fertile 
and heavy, the mixture can be altered accordingly. 
A commercial fertilizer should be applied each 
Spring. There are several special azalea and ca- 
mellia fertilizers on the market. Most of them are 
excellent. 
Camellias and azaleas will not thrive in soil con- 
taining 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 in- 
vestigate this aspect. If these materials are pres- 
ent the top soil should be replaced. 
PLANTING 
_ Camellias have been used in all sorts of plant- 
ings. They are at their best, however, when used 
as specimen plants in some pattern of symmetry. 
Camellias are excellent for portal (or entrance) 
plantings, They thrive in semi-shade, however, a 
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