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Camellias for Fall Bloom -
In order to develop Camellias with increased cold hardiness, Dr. William Ackerman of the U.S. National Arboretum hybridized hardy C. oleifera with traditional garden Camellias. From thousands of seedlings the best were selected and field tested in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states, where they proved themselves able to withstand temperatures below 0øF with little or no damage. They proved their mettle in severe winters in which many traditional Camellias were severely injured, while established cold-hardy Camellias came through with only minor leaf burn. The following introductions bloom in October and November. Their abundant bloom and fresh colors are a delight in mid to late fall, and the small glossy leaves and generally dense habit are attractive year round. In our area these Camellias generally reach 3-5 feet in a few years. Sometimes they continue to grow after many years into fairly sizable shrubs, though this seems to be the exception. To do their best, Camellias must have rich, acid soil, and they must be planted where they_re protected from winter sun. Protection from winter wind is also helpful, but winter sun is actually more damaging than wind. Be sure not to plant Camellias too deep as they must have excellent drainage, but at the same time, they should never dry out. Keep in mind that Camellias achieve their maximum hardiness only once they_re fairly mature. Until then, it_s a good idea to give Camellias extra winter protection in the form of heavy mulches; a burlap barrier can also help the first winter or two, although this should not be necessary in the long run.
Camellia 'Winter's Charm' - Camellia
Fluffy lavender-pink Peony-form flowers on a shrub with fairly upright growth. Has been a reliable October and November bloomer in our garden. Z. 6b-9
Camellia 'Winter's Darling' - Camellia
Everyone's been charmed by this recent introduction from Dr. Ackerman. Deep pink miniature flowers with anemone centers appear in October on a slow-growing shub which remains under 3 feet for many years. Z. 6b-9
Camellias for Spring Bloom -
Cultivated for centuries in China and Japan, Camellia japonica has made itself equally at home in the lower South, where it has been treasured for generations. Evergreen shrubs with large polished leaves and sumptuous flowers opening from November to April, these are the classic Camellias one sees in southern gardens. The plant itself is hardy to Zone 7, but the plump flower buds, which form in late summer and remain prominent all winter, can be damaged by temperatures below 10øF on most traditional cultivars. We offer some of the hardiest cultivars of traditional Camellias, as well as introductions from Clifford Parks of the University of North Carolina. For over 30 years Dr. Parks has been breeding Camellias with a view towards increasing hardiness, particularly flower-bud hardiness, and the _April_ series is the splendid result of this work. We are also offering releases from Dr. William Ackerman. The Camellia japonica we offer are some of the hardiest and should be useful in Zone 7 as well as in protected sites in Zone 6. Blooming in the North usually takes place in early spring. Camellias become sizable shrubs in the South, but in the North, they generally remain below 6 feet. Careful planting is the single most crucial factor in ensuring success. Plant C. japonica in rich acid soil in part shade. Shelter from desiccating winds and, more importantly, harsh winter sun, will help protect the flower buds over winter. Camellias must have excellent drainage, but at the same time they should never dry out. This may seem like a bit of a fuss, but when you see these flowers in your garden, we think you_ll agree it_s worthwhile!
Camellia japonica 'April Dawn' - Camellia
We've never seen a Camellia japonica we didn't like, but we are particularly excited about this one which is the first cold-hardy Camellia with variegated flowers! Multicolored formal double flowers display random pink markings on a white or shell-pink ground. It sets abundant buds and blooms over a long period in spring, so it's a thrill to watch each bud as it opens to see what pattern will be displayed. Dr. Parks points out that the variegation is genetic and not caused by a virus. A vigorous plant with an upright habit. Z. 6b-9
Camellia japonica 'April Kiss' - Camellia
The earliest of the "April" series to bloom, 'April Kiss' is covered with small, formal double red-pink flowers in early spring. Its heavy bud set makes a reliable display in the garden. A compact shrub with a medium rate of growth. Z. 6b-9
Camellia japonica 'April Remembered' - Camellia
Show-quality semidouble flowers in shades of cream and pink decorate this bushy Camellia for a long period in spring. Sturdy and cold hardy, this vigorous selection fared as well as Camellia oleifera and its hybrids in North Carolina field trials. The large, glossy leaves are also particularly attractive, and the plant puts out vigorous growth. Z. 6b-9
Camellia japonica 'April Tryst' - Camellia
Bright red anemone-form flowers open over a long period in mid-spring. A shapely, upright growing plant that produces many flowers. Flowers have opened successfully after periods of cold weather which have damaged flowers of other C. japonica varieties. Z. 6b-9
Camellia japonica 'Cream Puff' - Fragrant Camellia
A light lemony fragrance, unusual in Camellias, enhances enjoyment of this introduction from Dr. William Ackerman. Flowers are large, chalky white, and petals have heavy substance and velvety texture. A compact Camellia with columnar growth, it bears loads of flowers in spring. Z. 7b-9
Camellia japonica 'Fire Falls' - Camellia
Glowing, vivid crimson red Peony-form flowers appear over a long season on a vigorous, upright shrub with rather large leaves. This seedling of 'Professor C.S. Sargent' may have inherited some of its cold hardiness. Z. (7a?)7b-9
Camellia japonica 'Meredith' - Camellia
Nice large semidouble to Peony-form flowers on a compact-growing shrub. Flowers are light pink, sometimes with a crimson edge, and are very pretty. 'Meredith' is a chance seedling, found in a Maryland garden, of the old C. japonica 'Berenice Boddy'. Dr. Ackerman has been evaluating 'Meredith' for some time and rates it as very hardy. Z. 6-9
Camellia japonica 'Paulette Goddard' - Camellia
We're happy to be able to offer this famous Camellia which is rare in the trade. Dark red flowers bloom in early spring with a loose Peony form and are of show quality. This Camellia is most renowned, however, for being the hardiest of the traditional Camellia japonica, and Dr. Ackerman has commented to us that it is "incredibly hardy." The plant is vigorous and upright. Z. 6b-9
Camellia japonica 'Spring Promise' - Camellia
In the North Camellia japonica usually blooms in early spring, but this selection from Clifford Parks is practically the only Camellia whose flowers open in our garden on mild winter days as well as in early spring. In fact, during the mild January of 2007, the New York Times showed 'Spring Promise' blooming in New York! The medium-sized flowers are a striking rose-opal color, and the petals have exceptional substance. Flower bud hardiness is excellent, and the shrub is upright with large glossy leaves. Z. 6b-9
Camellia japonica 'Turandot' - Camellia
Striking red flowers appear over a long period in early to mid-spring. The show-quality Oriental-red blooms have a peony form with many frilly petals and look as though they should grace the gown of the Puccini heroine, a Chinese princess after whom this Camellia is named. Abundant bud set and excellent bud hardiness make it a reliable performer in Zone 7 and south. From Clifford Parks. Z. 7-9
