Camellia and Gardenia Care

Camellias are basically shade loving plants. The flowers of most varieties need
sun protection, particularly in the early morning while the flowers are wet with
dew. This is because the droplets of moisture will act as tiny lenses under the
rays of the sun and burning of the petals will result. Afternoon sun does little
damage, except on

particular varieties, which prefer protection all day. The plants themselves are
quite tolerant of sun and suffer little more than paling of the foliage to lighter
green. However, the foliage will burn in sun if sufficient water is not available to
replace that lost from the leaves through transpiration. An ideal position
therefore, is one which will provide partial shade.

SOIL

A rich, light, well drained loam containing plenty of humus is ideal. Most soils
can be made suitable for Camellias with the addition of various soil conditioners.
Sandy soils will need their moisture holding capacity increased with the addition
of peat moss and or compost. On the other hand heavy soils need to be broken
down. Peat moss and or compost will also help to do this. It is essential to avoid
areas where water gathers in pools. In these cases A raised planting bed must
be made.

More attention to watering is needed during spring and summer. Constantly
moist soil is necessary at this time to ensure maximum formation of flower buds
and to prevent bud drop at flowering time. However be careful not to
overwater. Rapid drying out of the shallow root system can be minimized by
mulching with peat moss mixed with cow manure. During winter one good
soaking per week should be quite satisfactory except in abnormally windy
weather.

FERTILIZING

The main time to fertilize is in early spring when the growth buds are starting to
swell. We recommend the use of a soluble fertilizer at three weekly intervals
from late winter to early spring. In early October a more balanced fertilizer with
less nitrogen is desirable, applied lightly to moist soil and thoroughly watered in.
Camellia and Azalea Food is excellent for this use. This can be

repeated in January. Do not fertilize after the flower buds have formed unless the
plant obviously needs it.

PLANTING

Take care to plant at the soil level existing in the container. Plant in a wide
shallow hole of improved (see under SOIL) soil, firm in, and water thoroughly to
exclude all air pockets. Particular attention should be given to watering during
the first summer when the plant is becoming established. mature. Camellias like a
soil pH reading of 5.0 to 5.5. (usually acomplished by mixing in peat moss)

WATERING

Flowers and buds covered with dew will be scorched by the early morning sun.
Double flowers which have had their outer petals burned in this way may not be
able to open. Mid afternoon winter sun is the most advantageous.

WHERE TO PLANT

The ideal position is usually on a site which can provide some semi-shade. This
can be a house, fence or existing trees. Avoid areas subject to excessive winds,
limed or alkaline soils, competitive tree roots and badly drained areas. Make
sure that you have sufficient depth of soil to accommodate the root ball and that
there is enough room to accommodate future growth.

Most Camellia varieties prefer shade for at least half of the summer day. Some
sun is necessary for good growth and flowering. Shade can be provided by
buildings and walls. Shade can also be provided by trees as long as their roots
are not close enough to compete for food and water. Camellias sound be
mulched to retain even moisture.

DRAINAGE : Good drainage is essential. Soil for Camellias should not be wet
or boggy for any length of time. When planting, the hole should not be dug into a
layer of clay. The clay would stop water draining away and the hole would fill
with water drowning the roots. You can acheive a better sitting by provining a
raised bed for camellias if this is your problem.

INSECT PESTS

White or brown scale

Aphids - these sometimes appear on the new growth.

Caterpillars - these often attack the new growth. They can be controlled
effectively

Red Spider mites - occasionally these can cause a problem.

DISBUDDING

Some varieties have a tendency to produce multiple buds

on growth terminals. To ensure blooms of quality and size these buds should be
reduced to one or two per stem in January or February.

DISEASES

Root rot is one of the very few diseases that affect Camellias and can be
prevented by provision of good drainage.On some varieties a virus occurs which
causes yellow blotching of the foliage. This is a harmless virus, the foliage
variegation being the only effect.

Gardenias

A wonderfully fragrant Southern favorite.

Prune gardenias after they have finished flowering. This is usually in late May or
early June. Prune late flowering varieties after flowering is complete.

The gardenia is a popular flowering shrub in Alabama. This delightful evergreen
has distinctive glossy foliage and fragrant, white, waxy flowers which bloom in
late spring and summer. The blossoms have been a favorite with gardeners for
generations.

Soil conditions�

Gardenias grow on wide range of soils, but they do best in moist, loamy, well-
drained soil. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.0. Gardenias grow best
in soil mixed with organic matter such as peat, bark and pine neddles . Mulching
will help, too.

Fertilize�

Each spring, fertilize gardenias with a complete garden fertilizer such as 8-8-8
and apply additional iron. Apply fertilizer a second time in early or mid-summer.
Don't fertilize gardenias in the fall. Doing so will stimulate tender growth
which may be killed if the temperature in winter drops below 15 degrees.

Pesticides�

White flies often attack gardenias. They can be controlled by using Orthene or
oil sprays such as oilicide or Volck.

The oil sprays will control the white fly and remove the black, sooty mold from
gardenia leaves. When using oil sprays, follow manufac-turer's directions.
They cannot be used when temperatures are very hot or cold.

Prune�

Prune gardenias after they have finished flowering. This is usually in late May or
early June. Prune late flowering varieties after flowering is complete