In Season: Camellias

Gardeners become restless this time of year. Most everything in the garden is hibernating for winter except, of course, Camellia japonica.

Often associated with Southern gardens, the camellia is actually a native of Japan and China. It's by happy accident that C. japonica  was introduced to the West. A close cousin, C. sinensis, is used to make tea. In the 18th century, The East India Company was eager to import the plants to London and propagate them in India and America, circumventing trade with the Chinese. Not to be outsmarted, Chinese officials substituted japonicas, which do not produce good leaves for tea. Thus the South can thank China for this favorite flower.

The most challenging aspect of planting japonicas is narrowing down your choices. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, all have glossy leaves and make handsome background shrubs when not in bloom. If you want a variety of colors, be sure they form a pleasing palette together. This is especially true of red selections, which range from deep crimson to shades with pink undertones.

Planting

Japonicas prefer light shade beneath tall trees or anywhere they are protected from the hot afternoon sun. Plant in spring or fall in well-drained, fertile soil. Mulch with two inches of organic material, keeping the mulch away from the base of the plant. Water thoroughly, and let dry slightly between waterings. Too much water can cause buds to drop. Japonicas also do well in containers. Use plenty of organic matter and keep the pot well-drained.

Where to See

• Cape Fear Botanical Garden. This 79-acre urban forest features 200 varieties of camellias among more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants. Fayetteville, NC; 910/486-0221; www.capefearbg.org.
• Historic London Town & Gardens. Visit the Camellia Walk, which showcases plants bred for cold hardiness. Edgewater, MD; 410/222-1919; www.historiclondontown.com.
• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The oldest public garden in the United States. January and February are great times to see the vast selection of japonicas in bloom. Charleston, 800/367-3517, www.magnoliaplantation.com. Also make a stop at the Charleston Tea Plantation on nearby Wadmalaw Island to learn how Camellia sinensis is grown and harvested for tea. 843/559-0383, www.bigelowtea.com.
• Massee Lane Gardens. The headquarters of the American Camellia Society, this public garden features more than 1,000 varieties of camellias, along with a host of other flowering plants. Fort Valley, GA; 877/422-6355, www.camellias-acs.com.

 

RESOURCES: Alice crystal bowl by William Yeoward Crystal, 800/818-8484, www.williamyeowardcrystal.com; courtesy of Bromberg's, 205/871-3276, www.brombergs.com.