Camellias
@belindayhughes (1096)
United States
February 22, 2013 2:41am CST
Camellias are a very lovely flower that grow on bushes. They're fascinating to look at, because they come in many colors and they have many leaves stacked closely together in gorgeous arrangements. They're great in Oriental themed gardens as well as for Colonial and Cottage landscapes. While camellias hold their leaves year round, they typically only bloom in fall and winter. Camellia japonica has pink, red or white blossoms. You can plant all one color or mix and match for different looks. Camellias need a little shade, adequate drainage and a safe spot away from breezes. Camellias make a great show when they blossom, so you can plant them along a front walk or porch or as a stunning hedge. Many Southern gardeners rely on one or two camellias to give their homes easy curb appeal.
1 person likes this
1 response
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
22 Feb 13
If you can grow camellias, you might like to try growing your own tea. Tea is made from the young shoots (the top three leaves) of Camellia sinensis. A tea bush is rarely allowed to flower when it is cultivated for tea but when it does, the flowers are single and not very showy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_plant
Tea usually likes a sub-tropical climate with plenty of rainfall but some varieties can be grown in colder climates and there is at least one commercial plantation in Cornwall, UK.
http://howtogrowtea.com/
1 person likes this
@belindayhughes (1096)
• United States
22 Feb 13
Wow, owl, aren't you something! I love all this information about camellias in your response. I've heard that a Chinese emperor was served water while camping, and some camellia leaves had blown into the hot water by accident, and this tea was thus discovered. But I never knew about cultivating them, which is something I would be ineterested in doing with some, when I plant them. Thanks for the great reply.
