Gardening Wisdom

Camellias

December 10th, 2008

Camellias are prominent evergreen shrubs in Japan and there are over 3000 named varieties. They can grow in sun or shade and can be used as a specimen plant, screen, or hedge.

Three main categories include: Tsubaki ?, Camellia japonica, Sazanka ???, Camellia sasanqua, and Cha ?, Camellia sinensis. The latter is the plant that tea is derived from. The shoot tips are harvested and, depending on treatment (fermentation or curing), processed into green or black tea. The small, white, single flowers are similar to the ornamental camellias. Tsubaki and sazanka grow taller than cha, their beautiful blossoms can be single or double. Colors range from white and pink to red and all shades inbetween. They appear from fall to spring depending on variety.

Many different varieties of camellias grow in our five gardens. Their glossy leaves and bright flowers are a delight in the bare groves of deciduous trees in winter.