CAMELLIA JAPONICA
Often referred to the "Queen of the Winter Garden", Camellias provide winter color like no other landscape plant! Georg Josef Kamel first described this regal native to China in the late 1600's. Camellia japonicas have been part of the American garden for over 150 years, with some of the oldest specimens located in plantation gardens outside Charleston, SC.

Selecting a Site
Like Camellia sasanquas, Camellia japonicas prefer a location protected from strong wind and afternoon sun. While growth habits vary from variety to variety, plan on at least 15-18' in growing room height for your plantings.

Planting
Camellia japonicas will not tolerate "wet feet"; proper drainage is vital whether you are planting a single specimen or a grouping. Amend the existing soil with 1/3 soil conditioner and 1/3 aged manure, aged compost, or leaf mold. Follow the planting diagram included in this brochure to ensure proper drainage.

Maintenance
Establishing a root system that is not subject to stress (i.e. soil too wet or too dry) is the best way to get your plant off to a great start. Regular waterings, even during the winter is helpful. A light pruning to shape the plant should occur immediately after blooming. February is the month to apply a dormant oil spray to prevent tea scale and fungus, followed by an application of Azalea-Camellia fertilizer in mid-spring, after danger of frost has passed.

CAMELLIA SASANQUAS
Camellia sasanquas provide the fall and early winter garden with jewel tones flowers, with colors ranging from regal red to glistening white, Camellia sasanquas accompany the garden with a subtle splash of color to compliment the golds, oranges, and reds of many trees and shrubs in Fall.

Selecting a Site
Camellia sasanquas prefer an area sheltered from direct afternoon sun and strong wind. Depending on which variety you choose, allow enough room for the plant mature gracefully in height and width; some Camellia sasanquas can reach a height of 10 feet, while others remain under 4 feet.

Planting
Camellia sasanquas should be planted in an area that has proper drainage. Amend existing soil with 1/3 soil conditioner and 1/3 aged manure or compost. Follow the planting diagram included in this brochure.

Maintenance
Keeping the roots healthy is the key to success during the first full growing season; regular waterings, even during winter months is crucial. A light pruning to shape the plant should occur immediately after blooming, as Camellias bloom on new growth. An application of dormant oil spray to prevent the onset of insect and fungus should be applied in February. To round out your maintenance schedule, an application of Azalea-Camellia fertilizer is necessary mid-Spring, after the danger of frost has passed.