CAMELLIA JAPONICA 
The Camellia japonica has long been acclaimed the 
“Aristocrat of the Southern Garden” and has in recent 
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 suit- 
able. 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 peat or leaf mold. Every 
winter or early spring apply well-rotted manure, bone 
meal or cotton seed meal or similar commercial fer- 
tilizer. Mulching with half-rotted leaves or peat is 
also beneficial. Attention should be given to watering 
as a humid atmosphere is preferred. Frequent syring- 
ing 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 of 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 Win- 
ter as a severe freeze causes much damage when an 
oil spray is used. 
6-8”, 8-12” and 12-18” camellias are from 3, 4, 
and 5 inch pots or quart cans and will be packed 
for shipment in paper pots. All other sizes are 
field grown stock and will be dug balled and 
burlapped. 
