How to Purchase a Camellia

by Jim N. Darden
Chairman, Horticulture Technology
Sampson Community College
Clinton, North Carolina

Reprinted with Permission
Atlantic Coast Camellia Society
Atlantic Coast Camellia Journal
Vol 47 No.3 Fall 2000

So, you are excited about those gorgeous flowers on your neighbor's camellia plant. Well, you are not by yourself. Thousands of Southern gardeners enjoy that glorious feeling each fall when sasanqua camellias explode into color. And, of course, that is merely a prelude to the extraordinary winter flowers of their close relatives, the Camellia japonicas. Determine when looking at containerized camellias whether they are sasanquas or japonicas. Among the japonicas we have early (September to November) bloomers, mid-season (November to March) bloomers, and late bloomers which bloom with the azaleas in April. Stagger your camellias to provide color for eight months of the year.

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Pride of the Southern Garden

by Don Kiser
Buchanan Nursery
Raleigh, North Carolina

Atlantic Coast Camellia Society
Atlantic Coast Camellias Journal
Vol 48 #1 Spring 2001
Reprinted with Permission

When people imagine a classic southern garden, everyone has a different conception. The azaleas, dogwoods and wisteria of spring are popular choices. The stately magnolias with white blooms that fill the air with wonderful fragrance earn their title "Symbol of the South." Crape myrtles have a long blooming season and are certainly associated with Southern landscapes. These are but a few and I am sure that each individual has their favorite plant or plants that they include in their vision of the Southern garden.

I like a wide assortment of plants, but camellias are definitely my favorites. These broadleaf evergreen shrubs have lustrous (almost polished) dark green foliage. As a bonus these handsome plants provide a spectacular display of red, white or pink blooms during the cool season when our gardens are nearly void of blooms. It is my opinion that no Southern garden is complete without camellias.

Camellias planted in the right location and the proper soil are not difficult to grow. They prefer a partially shaded location and moist, but well drained, acidic soils that contain ample organic matter. If you do not have a place in your yard that meets these conditions, do not be discouraged. It is usually not difficult to create a suitable habit

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