As the year progresses to its terminal date in about three months the landscape, in areas both domestic and wild, is beginning to take on subdued tones. Native wildflowers and flowering trees will soon begin their season of repose.
The artificial holiday decorations which irradiate panhandle Florida with colors not found in nature are already on sale. While the bright palette will overtake and obscure the muted shades, there can be an unsettling sensation to the unnatural luminosity.
Luckily, there is a vibrant plant which will bloom in the relatively mild winter months of north Florida. Camellias are just beginning their seasonal cycle of pastel displays.
On the cusp of October, local camellias are maturing their buds. Soon there will be a burst of color on these perennial ornamentals. Resident pollinators will take advantage of the flowers to support them during the cool days ahead.
Admittedly, camellias are not native perennials. They were brought to America from the far east many years ago, but without the negative quality of invasive tendencies which have created problems with so many recent arrivals.
While just a deep green component of the lush background during the warmer months, the cool season stimulates blooms in a wide array of soft colors. Camellia blooms cover most of the visible color spectrum.
Members of this east Asian import fit into one of two categories. When selecting a specimen as an addition to the home landscape, the features of these ornamentals are important to the selection and location.
Japonicas are the larger camellias which can grow and be shaped into a small flowering tree. These need space to meet their full growth potential and should never be crowded in a cramped space with restricted airflow.
Sasanqua varieties are smaller and are often used as foundation plants and blooming hedges in the home landscape. Both take readily to proper pruning and shaping soon after their flowering is finished in the spring.
Growing these successfully in north Florida will depend on effective planting techniques and management during the year. Proper site selection is critical.
Camellia blooms come in a variety of sizes, colors and textures. This winter flower has been gracing landscapes in America since the late 18th century.
In general, camellias perform best in partial shade. Sasanquas will tolerate full sun but do better when protected from harsh afternoon sun exposure.
However, full shade will severely reduce the flowering and reduce the foliage.
November through February is a good time to install a new plant in the landscape. This allows the camellia time to get established before the rigors of hot weather appear.
A soil test is recommended as camellias grow well in moderately acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This may make soil amendments necessary when planting as sand or alkaline readings will greatly limit the potential for success.
Peatmoss is ideal for mixing with substandard soil, usually on a 50/50 basis. The peatmoss adds organic matter and helps to acidify the soil.
When installing, leave the root-ball an inch to two above the soil’s surface, but never below the soil line. There is always some settling over time.
Mulch with oak leaves or pine straw, as both help maintain the soil’s acidity. Oak leaves also add some nutrients and organic matter to the camellia’s root zone.
For those on the coast, camellias are not likely a landscape option. This ornamental is not salt tolerant. Its growing zone must also be well drained and not retain excess water.
Soon the calendar will indicate it is time to start decorating for the winter if a camellia is not in the home landscape. Add a natural color which will return for decades when the days are short and the weather cools.
Leave a Reply