The common camellia is uncommon both in beauty and fragrance. Set against shiny, dark green and wax textured leaves, the body and arrangement of the petals makes the camellia a classic flower in shape and appearance. Prospering in warm tropical and subtropical climates, these shrubs also grow well in the western and southern states of USA. Alabama has accorded the camellia the status of its state flower and as far as ornamental shrubs go, the camellia rates as an all-time favorite. Florida has some beautiful, double, hybrid varieties with flowers that are pink, red and white.

Out in the wild, these trees can grow to about 35ft or 40 ft but when cultivated for gardens, a modest 25 ft. height is what they generally achieve. The blooms appear in early winter and stay right up until the beginning of spring. With camellias around, any garden does not have to look bare during winter. These shrubs make an engaging screen or hedge especially if a reflective spot with a garden bench requires to be placed in your garden. It also works to cordon of a vegetable patch or a nursery with a compost pit.

The exquisite look of the leaves and the overall beauty of this shrub make it an ideal indoor plant as well. Pick a sunny spot inside for this plant. If you've got one from the nursery, then repot it in a bigger container that sits in drip tray. The roots require to be kept moist, not wet, and draining away excess water will ensure this. Pack the bottom third of the container with soil, place the plant in it, put in a second layer of compost or some perlite, and fill up the rest with soil. Water it and wait till the soil settles. If a gap remains, then add some more soil and set aside in the shade.

Although camellias like the warm sunshine it is always advisable to move plants from indoors to a shady patio first and then after a day or two, to take it out into direct sunlight. Only after you are certain that a recently potted plant has caught root, then put it out for a bit. There are a number of fertilizers available to prompt good and quick growth and herbicides to protect them from pests and disease.

If you like Gardening....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also see:

A Love Affair With Gardening, Charming Camillias, Firescaping, Gardening for the Family, Garden Rodents, Garden Catalogs, General Gardening Tips. Gardens in the Shade, Hot Summer Cool Garden, How to Plant Leeks, Involve Your Children, Outfits for Gardening, Photograph Your Garden, Plant Care Basics, Using Leaves as Compost, What to Avoid Buying Guide, Cheap Garden Ideas, Creating Garden Berms, Garden Fragrances, Garden Lessons, Gardening for The Challenged, Gardening is Great, Gardening Math, Gardening Tools, How to Use Peat, More About Gardening, Love affair with Lilacs, Organic Gardening, Slow Down and Enjoy, Smart Plant Shopping, Tips for Beginners