I love Camellias too

[UniPol]

I thought I would post some pics of a camellia (Margaret Davis) from our garden, I know Barb (Tamtarn) posted a pic of a camellia some time back and it elicited quite a lot of comments from other forum members.

Unfortunately, the Margaret Davis variety brown very easily in too much sun or if they become wet from a light shower or rain. My wife is particularly fond of this variety and they are often cut for arrangements in the house. One shrub is around fifteen foot high, and one I planted around six years ago is now eight feet. They seem to take two to three years after planting before the flowers are considered perfect.

Taken with my 400D and standard 18-55mm lens.

[acropolite]

Beautiful blooms, I'm extremely envious, we can't seem to get Camelias to grow here, we have one runty specimen left from 3 planted and it is only just clinging on to life. It is quite windy where we are I assume that's why they aren't happy, the survivor is on the shade side of the house but out of the wind.

[UniPol]

Hi Phil,

Both Margaret Davis camellias are well protected from wind and are shaded, just morning sun. Some of our other camellias which are exposed look alright in winter but some summers which are a bit extreme, knock them about a bit. The secret is to keep them well mulched and the soil pretty moist. I don't feed them with camellia food, the sandy well drained soil here seems to do a good job as well as telling them how nice they look ;) .

Cheers,

Steve