Purchase plants from a reputable nursery near your home
if possible. Select cultivars that are known to grow well in
your area. Choose plants with clear, bright green leaves, clean
limbs free of scale, and stems that have no cuts or scars.
Thousands of camellia varieties have been named throughout
the years. Hundreds are offered by commercial nurseries and many
new varieties may be offered each year. Varieties range in color
from pure white to brilliant crimson. Most varieties are either C. japonica, C. sasanqua, C. reticulata, or those plants
which are hybrids of more than one species. Many of the C.
reticulata varieties are more sensitive to cold weather and
should not be considered for outdoor plantings except in the
warmest regions of the "camellia belt."
Mid-season flowering varieties that bloom from January 1 until
the end of February are best suited for warmer conditions. In
cooler climates, only early (November - December) and late-flowering
(March - April) varieties are recommended. The mid-season varieties
generally bloom during the time period when the most freezing
temperatures are experienced and flowers will suffer as a result.
Many varieties will withstand temperatures as low as 10°
F occasionally without plant damage. However, temperatures below
freezing will damage open flowers unless protected by trees,
etc. Flower buds which have not yet opened can withstand temperatures
much below freezing without damage. They will open once temperatures
have warmed again. |
