From oct4

I just purchased an April Tryst Camellia. It blooms in spring with red flowers and I would like to come up with a good site for it. I know it needs protection from eastern winter sun exposure and protection from the strong north east we get. My choices are along the woods to the left of the house, where it would get sun protection, but be open to the winds, along the face of the house which is probably the best choice, but would involve the most rearanging, or along the woods to the right of the house, where it would be well protected from winds, but would get more winter sun.

If anyone has some thoughts about their experiences with spring blooming camelias, I'd love to hear them.

Lisa

Every time I've tried camellias, they've gotten too much winter sun, burned to a crisp - so I'd advise you make that your primary consideration. On the other hand, since I don't think I've ever kept one alive for more than 2 winters, you might not want to take any advice on the subject from me!

My sister grows them on Long Island under and around various conifers and even on the north side of her house. Why she has such luck with them (they are absolutely stunning) and I can't get them to survive is a complete mystery to me.

One thing about plants that bloom in winter (or very late fall or early early spring) is that you also have to site them - I have a few things that bloomed for years before I ever saw the flowers, because I don't hang around in the far corners of my small yard during the harsh months. Maybe this is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated, but I didn't think about it when I first started growing things like hellebores and hardy cyclamen.

North exposures are often recommended for star magnolias to prevent flower bud destruction by early thaws followed by late frosts.

Putting the camellia in the back wouldn't add to curb appeal, but could give great pleasure to you and your family.

Claire

George - I do realize I made a mistake with the spring blooming purchase, but I didn't read the tag correctly until I got home, and I want to do the best I can by my April Tryst.

Claire - The problem with my backyard is that I never use it. I have a very steep lot (we have a walk-out basement) and I don't spend much time back there. Some day we'll win the lottery and I'll build my dreamt for bluestone patio with wall seating and an outdoor fireplace, and then I can perfectly site camellias and magnolias and all kinds of things, but for now, the only thing back there is weeds and the compost pile.

So it sounds like the winter sun is more of a danger than the winter winds which might mean along the left woods (left when you are facing the house) might be the most appropriate. It would be almost completely shaded in the winter, especially in the morning, but the sun is high enough in the summer for it to be at least half sun, possibly more. Definitely need to do some more thinking on how to protect it from winter winds.

BTW. Here is a closer view in winter of the area you guys seem to be steering me towards. I am assuming a line of woods behind doesn't really give any protection. The prevailing cold strong winds come along the point of view of the camera.

From Dec2008snow

Thanks so much for all your ideas!

Lisa

Claire

Lisa

But seriously, the point about ruined foliage and blooms coinciding is a really good one - I can tolerate something like Daphne having an annual ugly phase when the old leaves look pathetic, because everything comes together by the time it blooms. Blooms on browned-out foliage are really only good for cutting and bringing indoors.