Posted 10:07 pm Thursday, January 10, 2013
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Camellias grow easily, offer nice splash of color in winter
By Dee Bishop
Smith County Master Gardener
Smith County Master Gardener
Resting time in the garden, that’s what winter is. Color is hard to come by right now, for this is the “dead of winter” — the time when the plant world sleeps.
This is when we praise the “night owls” of the garden, those plants that insist on doing their thing regardless of cold and gloom, and there are few enough of them. Camellia japonica is one that gives us huge tropical- looking blooms right in the middle of winter’s darkness.
How treasured are these beautiful blossoms; how uplifting they are to a gardener’s soul!
Camellia japonica was introduced to America in the early 1800s. The plant was only found in the yards of the wealthy plantation owners for more than a century because unlike many other plant introductions, camellias are very difficult to propagate. Thanks to today’s technology, they are readily available.
This is when we praise the “night owls” of the garden, those plants that insist on doing their thing regardless of cold and gloom, and there are few enough of them. Camellia japonica is one that gives us huge tropical- looking blooms right in the middle of winter’s darkness.
How treasured are these beautiful blossoms; how uplifting they are to a gardener’s soul!
Camellia japonica was introduced to America in the early 1800s. The plant was only found in the yards of the wealthy plantation owners for more than a century because unlike many other plant introductions, camellias are very difficult to propagate. Thanks to today’s technology, they are readily available.
Camellias grow easily in East Texas. They need afternoon shade and will grow happily in dappled all day shade. Prepare a bed of rich humusy soil that is raised somewhat so the plant will have the perfect drainage it requires. Mulch well and water in dry spells.
I have found that if I bend a branch down to the ground and place a rock on it, it will usually root. That’s the way my grandmothers did it. It is not sure fire, but usually will work.
Gardeners and plant admirers need a big shot of color in the dreary days of winter, so my suggestion is go out and buy a camellia. You will thank yourself a million times every winter that you did.
By the way, bring in a bloom or two to enjoy indoors. Flowers are a sure way to make you smile.
Dee Bishop is a Smith County Master Gardener. She writes about plants that can be found within the Tyler Rose Garden.
I have found that if I bend a branch down to the ground and place a rock on it, it will usually root. That’s the way my grandmothers did it. It is not sure fire, but usually will work.
Gardeners and plant admirers need a big shot of color in the dreary days of winter, so my suggestion is go out and buy a camellia. You will thank yourself a million times every winter that you did.
By the way, bring in a bloom or two to enjoy indoors. Flowers are a sure way to make you smile.
Dee Bishop is a Smith County Master Gardener. She writes about plants that can be found within the Tyler Rose Garden.
