(Nat. Ord. Ternstroemiacese). This is an evergreen flowering shrub, hardy in the milder parts of Britain, averaging 3-20 ft. or more in height. For growing in pots or tubs, a good compost is medium turfy loam and peat in equal proportions, kept porous with plenty of sharp silver sand. A peaty loam is most suitable for outdoor culture. Propagation may be effected by seed, grafting, or layering, the two latter methods being most suitable for amateurs. CuIture.Grafting is best done in the early spring, the stock usually employed being C. japonica, this being the hardiest species. Maiden plants of this stock should be cut down to within 2 or 3 ins. of the base, and the selected variety grafted thereon. Uses.As the Camellia blooms early (February to May), the flowers are frequently ruined by frost in the open. The plants are, therefore, more suited for conservatory decoration, either set out in beds or placed in large pots and tubs. Varieties.The best of the species are probably C. japonica magnoliaeflora and C. reticulata. Of garden hybrids the following are excellent, prominence being given to the now fashionable single-flowered sorts : Alba plena, Alba simplex, Apollo, Donckelaarii, Jupiter, Snowflake, and Waltham Glory.J. L. G. See also Climbing and Trailing Plants and Shrubs.
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