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Is it too late to plant?
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Posted by oath5 z7 MD (My Page) on Sat, Aug 11, 07 at 16:50
| Hi there, I'm relatively new to camellias, I purchased one at the home depot last year and it made it through the winter, however it had severe dieback ( it's now a twig) which I blame for planting in practically December and forgetting to water when it's not freezing out- my zone is about 6b-7a, we hardly go down below ten degrees, and I know there are lot's of hybrids that have proven their hardiness, the one I planted was supposedly Winter's Interlude, though I was skeptical as it blooms looked different than what's posted on the internet. Whatever, it really doesn't matter there. Anyway, I was wondering if it was too late to plant one of the fall blooming camellias, like order one from Camforest, or would a spring blooming be better since it's not going to put any effort to bloom this fall/winter? Or should I just skip it all together and plant next year in the spring?
Thanks,
Max |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Is it too late to plant?
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Here is a link that might be useful: Lovcam.org
RE: Is it too late to plant?
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| Thanks laurie, Which of the Ackerman Fall Blooming camellias has a nice growing form/ vigorous growth? I've had a hard time finding full bush pictures of them, lot's of bloom pictures, but no concrete pictures of the form. Any recommendations? |
RE: Is it too late to plant?
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| I would give it a try. My zone is probably very similar to yours. Just a few considerations. Exposure and protection from wind REALLY make a big difference in the winter. In my prior home, I had a number of broadleaved everygreens planted in semi-shaded conditions (Aucuba, camelia, etc.) along a tall wooden fence. They never burned in winter (even in aweful winters). Be sure to mulch and keep well-watered if its dry in fall and winter (but don't overdo the watering bit),and also, be sure to apply an antidessicant spray (available at your garden center). For newly planted broadleaved evergreen shrubs and trees (including Southern magnolia for example) I apply the spray in November. You shouldn't have to do this every year--but it doesn't hurt. Good luck! |
RE: Is it too late to plant?
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| Thank You njoasis, I was on vacation, otherwise I would have replied sooner. Would planting it in right next to our old garage which gets only Eastern exposure and I believe limited sun due to a pine tree be a good spot for it? I know Camellias enjoy their shade very much and need to be protected from winds. |
RE: Is it too late to plant?
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| I think you could get away with it in that location as long as they actually get some sun. I have mine on western side of the house but they get very little sun due to two large maple trees. In the winter and early spring they will actually be getting direct sun without the shading of the maples. I expect them to flower in that location. If I see that they are not doing well, I can always move them (they transplant pretty well it seems to me). PS. The garage does help if it offers protection from wind (particularly from the NW). Attached garages are even better because they provide somewhat more heat to nearby plants. |
RE: Is it too late to plant?
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| No, not too late to plant. I have 2 Ackerman varieties, purchased as 1 gal. plants 3 years ago. I have 3 Winter's Star in a front bed, east facing, but shaded by a large maple. I installed a mister irrigation system for all the perimeter beds this summer & it's been a lifesaver. The camellias in front are about 5' wide & tall-loose,informal habit & beautiful in bloom. I have 2 in the back, a Winter's Star in a western exposure & a Snow Flurry on the north, both heavily shaded, they have remained small, about 2'. My local nursery just got in a shipment of camellias & I plan on adding several 'Winter's Snowman' to my garden. |
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