CAMELLIAS AND THEIR CULTURE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1954, 29 May 1880, Page 4

CAMELLIAS AND THEIR CULTURE.

[« : The Field.”] . . . The camellia may fa ; rly claim a position in glasshouses eqial to that accorded <o the rose in the open air If the latter is so far untouched by rival beauties as to be enabled to occupy the proud position of queen o( flowers, the former may with equal xea-ion bo termed the king of gr onhouse plants. No plant With which we are at present acquainted can pretend to uni'o ia it -elf qu-'i ire of such a high order as does the came Ilia j not only does it give us 11 jwers of briiliant as well as chaste and delicate hues, bub it cl thos itself with dense glos'y evergreen foliage, presenting, when in bloom, such a picture of verdure and. floral beauty as cannot fail to gratify both the unlearned and most fastidious of flower lovers. When to these recommendations we add the fact that the individual blooms are indispensable to tho formation of the mot-t chaste and cos-1? floral decorations —we could not, indeed, in tho winter time, find any satisfactory substitute for them —wa have no great need to insist upon tho value of tho camellia or to urge its extensive culture. I would, indeed, advise those who may be on the point of furnishing a glaashou e to begin with camellias; and I would counsol all who possess some kind of plant structure to make room for a few young, thrifty specimens, even should they bo obliged to displace some of the present inmates. By making choice of suit able varieties, and by affording that treatment which will promote luxuriance, there will be, even where the glass accommodation is very slight, b succession of bloom throughout the winter and spring. When we take into consideration the hardy, vigorous nature of the camell a, we may reasonably feel some surprise that this greenhouse shrub should often bo seen in a far from healthy and creditable condition. That this circumstance arises from neglect I can hardly believe, as I have noticed striking instances of failure iu establishments where the general culture was quite up to the average. Neither con it arise from want of appreciation, plant lovers generally being fully alive ro tho value of this plant, as is evidenced by the competition which invariably takes place at public sales for really good specimens, well-developed plants of approved kinds often realising fancy prices. I am much inclined to believe that disasters often overtake camellias through undue anxiety, I may say fussiness, on the part of the grower. This plant is extremely impatient of coddling or confinement in any way, and absolutely refuses to thrive satisfactorily when such treatm nt ia persevered in. When we come to consider the true nature of tho camellia, wo find that we have to do with a plant which bears something more than tho cold of an ordinary English winter with equanimity, and will even perfect and expand its blooms when growing in the open air. The enjoyment which it would thus afford is, however, marred by the fickle and inclement nature of our spring, the cold rain and rough winds of which generally so injure tho blooms that they give but little sa’is ! action. By placing it under a glass roof, thereby guarding against vicissitudes of climate, we are enabled with but little trouble to enjoy tho glorious floral treat which this plant is capable of affording us. The main p flat to be kept in view is to maintain a gonial growing temperature whilst the pla its are making the growth upon which the next season’s bloom depends, whilst avoiding the debilitating eff ct which must arise from undue confinement. Abundant air on fine days, closing tho house early, and well syringing tne foliage, will induce that "hearty vigorous development and lu-trous healthy hue which forms a characteristic feature of the camellia.

Although t'ds plant loves partial shade, thriving better when so placed that it is screened from the fierce rays of the summer sun, it does not follow that perpetual obscurity is most congenial to it. In order that the wood may mature, and the buds acquire the substance indispensable for the production of large, well-developed flowers, it must erjoy a certain amount of light, even though the strongest rays be broken off. Perpetual shade of a dense nature is to be deprecated, as being foreign to the real nature of the plant, which we arc informed flourishes in its native land in or near the clearings of the forest: consequently we find that, in houses where climbing plants are trained somewhat irregularly about the roof, that the natural conditions are more nearly fulfilled than could be accomplished by the more direct means of shading. In the case of roomy, lofty structures, the roof may be whitened over and the light will still be strong enough; but where houses of small dimensions are concerned, there should be means provided for readily administering and withdrawing shade. Light screen canvas or blinds, such as the French emplay, are the beat material that oan be used for this purpose ; and a provision of this kind will also bo found of service for screening the blooms from the noonday sun, thereby pre-longing the flowering season. Whore end or back walls exist, no more satisfactory way of draping them can be found than to cover them wiih camellias —a verdant, glossy, wall of foliage, studded with beautiful blooms, forms one of the most charming and enjoyable floral pictures. In winter gardens, where one native of the cooler regions find a place, there should always be provision made for the accommodation of a few good specimens. If planted in suitable soil, and well attended to, large specimens will be formed in much less time than could be attained by the best system of pot culture. I do not know any more striking object than a pyramidal camellia, clothed from base to crown with healthy foliage, and covered bloom. When associated with acacias, araucarias, palms, and other decorative plants, the effect is certainly of the best description. Those who have never witnessed the luxuriance of the camellia when thus treated can bave but a faint idea of its capabilities. I once had charge of a large winter garden, the main feature of which was the camellias. They were so arranged that each plant had ample space for development, and some of the specimens attained a height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and were broad in proportion. They were in perfect health, clothed to the ground with fine foliage, and flowered in the most profuse manner. There are, of course, not many who have the convenience for growing snob large specimens ; but there are always means, even in houses of restricted dimensions, to find the plaute the opportunity of attaining a high degree of luxuriance, thereby increasing their bloom-bearing capa city. In order to insure success, the preparations for planting out must be carefully and judiciously made. The soil must be of the very best description, perfectly sweet, and ample provision for drainage should bo made. The camellia loves moisture, but stagnation is almost as fatal to its welfare as an insufficiency of water. From four to six inches of rubble should form the foundation on which the soil is to be laid, and a few turves, laid grass downwards, will prevent the fine particles of soil from running into and impeding the drainage. Stagnation thus guarded against, copious supplies of water may be administered in the growing season, and the result will be a free luxuriant growth, thereby insuring a hearty robust youth, and laying the foundation for a healthy, vigorous old age. With each succeeding year the plants will increase in bulk, beauty, and bloom bearing capacity, and will reward the care expended on them by a bountiful supply of flowers of the finest quality. Although the camellia is seen to best advantage when in the enjoyment of a free, extended root run, yet handsome specimens may be grown in pots; and careful watering, shifting when required, and carefulneiß as to choice of soil, and never over-potting, may be considered the chief points to bo observed in tins branch of their culture. Plants may also be grown in small pots so as to exhibit considerable decorative value, neat lit lie bushes in 4in. and 6in. pots often proving of g.-eat service. Loam and peat are both recommended as composts for the camellia, many asserting that the f jrmor is the only r ally suitable soil, whilst others, again, advise the almost exclusive use of peat. The Belgian growers, on the other hand, employ leaf mould in a pure state, and the health and general luxuriance of the plants which we import from them fully testify to the suitability of this compost. It must, however, be remem bered that the leaf mould in B flgium is of a peculiar quality; it is the native t oil of the forest, the gradual accumulation of ages, and therefore differs vastly in quality from the ordinary rotted leaf soil which is commonly used in English gardens. Ihe compost which I should prefer would consist of half loam and half peat, to which bo added a little decomposed leaf mould, crushed charcoal, and silver sand. Loam is a valuable cultural agent when of good quality and thoroughly permeated with fibre; but, as many plant growers know to their sorrow, tfcds description of soil is often difficult to secure. If, therefore, loam and peat be used n eqval proportions, any deficiency of organic matter in the former will be counterbalanced by the more porous nature of the latser, and

a compost will bo formed which undoubtedly supply every element of nutrition which the camellia demands. A general custom exists of turning pot plants out in the open sir when they have completed their growth, and such treatment has undoubtedly much to recommend it, as the cool night air and refreshing dews invigorate and strengthen t era, and enable them to lay in ft store of vitality, which must ncossarily have oonsideiable influence upon them, even up to ai d during the flowering season ; but, unless the plants are well established in the pots and furnished with full heads of foliage, there is a dunger of their being injuriously affected by the early autumnal rains. Therefore, when any doubt exists as to the plants being enabled to bear an unlimited amount of water, it is safer to place them somewhat earlier under cover than is the custom to do with the generality of hard-wooded plants. In conclusion, I may observe that bud-drop-ping, which so frequently vexes and puzzles the amateur, is oft ;n caused by a dry or confined atmosphere, or by want of wat A r at the roots, which meat be well and constantly supplied with moisture, or the plant resolutely declines to finish its allotted work, casting the bloom which it would otherwise perfect. It will therefore be seen that they should never reman dry, and should be so watered that the ball is thoroughly moistened. By attendiag to these few simple rules handsome plants, producing an abundance of flowers of the best quality, will bo obtained ; and a well-grown camellia, whether in or out of bloom, is a constant source of pleasure and gratification to the grower.