Monthly Gardening Tips

JANUARY GARDEN TIPS / HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

CAMELLIA
'October Magic'

Planted April 2022 Blooming away on December 17th

From ‘Winter's Interlude' that blooms in winter to ‘April Blush' that blooms in late March and lasts to early summer we can have flowers all year round in our climate. Camellia are an evergreen woody shrub. The leaves are dark green and shiny. It has been cultivated for over 2000 years and is native to Asia.

Different flower forms include:

• Single
• Double
• Semi-double
• Rose
• Peony

The Camellia japonica is the parent of many of the hybrids available today. Camellia oleifera, and Camellia sasanqua are the other 2 that are usually hybridized. Prior to the 70's they were generally only a shrub of the southern states. After a few cold bitter winters killed more than 900 at the National Arboretum, Dr. Parks and Dr. Ackerman hybridized 15 of the best remaining Camellias. We now have many cold hardy varieties on the market including compact forms if you have a smaller space. They are low maintenance.

Slightly acidic soil and soil high in organic material is best. They like part shade to sun. (no full shade)

It's important to plant them near a building for protection from harsh wind. They like aeration and root protection with a good mulch. They are not typically affected by pests and disease but it is good to have Neem oil on hand for your garden plants in general. They typically flower the 2nd year and it's worth the wait! There is a profusion of buds and they don't all open at the same time! If we have a cold freeze the flowers will fade but the buds are not affected and will bloom. Pruning isn't needed other than following the 3D rule (dead, dying or diseased)

Camellia olifera is loved by pollinators and the oil is a great antioxidant - found in cosmetics and widely used as a cooking oil in Asia.

Camellia sasanqua leaves can be used to make tea and tea seed oil from its seeds is used in a variety of ways.

Camellia sinensis has less glossy leaves, a smaller flower, and is smaller in size. The plant leaves are the source of all white, black, green, yellow and oolong tea.

So between Hellebores and Camellia, there can be flowers all year round here!