With the first of the camellia blooms showing color, as well now being an excellent time to plant the shrubs, a few guidelines provided by the American Camellia Society may help to ensure that you select the best varieties for your landscape.

First, what type of flower do you desire? Camellias have a diverse color palette to choose from and different flower forms to take into account. The flower forms are categorized as single, semi-double, anemone, peony and formal double.

Selecting cultivars based on their specific flowering period allows the flowering period to be staggered almost six months. A carefully planned camellia garden can flower from early November through April. Early, mid-season and late-blooming varieties are available in assorted hues and flower forms. Begin taking notice of the plants flowering in the Miss-Lou and selections at local nurseries so that you can become more knowledgeable as far as what you may want for your own landscape.

The second consideration according to the ACS concerns growth habit. Before you plant a camellia, find out what size it will naturally reach in the future. Make sure that you have ample space for the plant to reach its full potential. Although camellias can be maintained at a specific shape or size, this must be kept up on a regular basis with care not to prune after the buds have set in June.

Planting camellias right up against the outside wall of your home is not advisable. The long-lived shrubs may become a source of foundation problems in upcoming years. Additionally, planting directly in front of windows is not recommended, as this may eventually block views of the rest of the landscape from indoors.

Individual preference, the third consideration, plays the most important role in camellia selection. Walk or drive through areas of the Miss-Lou during the next few months to see what aspects of certain varieties appeal to you so that before you purchase camellias, you can better visualize their effect in your own landscape situation.

Last, make sure that the varieties that you choose will grow well in the Miss-Lou climate. About 95 species of Camellia exist, although C. sasanqua and C. japonica are the two most common. Fortunately, you can depend on local nurseries when looking for the best varieties for the Miss-Lou area in the &8220;camellia belt.&8221;

In regard to proper site selection, the ACS recommends a location in partial shade, preferably with afternoon sun. Camellias prefer a well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. The incorporation of organic matter is almost always necessary when planting. Peat moss, compost or fine pine bark will work to help increase drainage and soil fertility.

Water newly planted camellias on a regular basis, especially during summer, to help them establish a healthy root system. Fertilize the plants in the spring, after they have flowered and the risk of frost is no more.

The optimum time to plant camellias is from now through early spring. Establish some of these long-lived evergreens now and enjoy them for years to come!

Traci Maier

writes a weekly gardening column for The Democrat. She can be reached at

ratmaier@bellsouth.net

.