Growing Camellias in your southern garden

Pink Camellia (photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

One shrub you will find beloved by many a southerner is the lovely Camellia bush. Camellias are sturdy small shrubs that produce vivid blossoms appearing October-March. They have thick dark green glossy leaves and the flower heads are similar in size to a rose. Camellia blossoms can come in a myriad of colors from white, soft pinks, vivid reds and in Southern parts of China yellow.

Growing conditions:
Camellias can be grown in full sun, partial or even full shade. Dappled shade is perhaps ideal especially for white flowering forms. Camellia shrubs are known to thrive quite well underneath Pine and Oak trees due to the naturally acidic soil around these types of trees. Basically, a Camellia will grow well wherever a n Azalea will thrive. When planting a Camellia bush, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and once the bush is centered in the middle of the hole be sure to fill in the hole with compost, and a good prepared soil mix.

Zone hardiness:
Camellias can grow in zones 7-9. Many new cultivators have developed varieties that can tolerate zones further north.

Pruning:
Camellias can be pruned almost any time of the year but ideally can be pruned lightly after it is done blooming.

Watering:
Newly planted Camellias do well with regular watering that keeps the soil moist. Do not over water or keep the plant soggy. Normal annual rainfall is well tolerated, however, when there is extremely hot and dry weather a Camellia should be watered during those times to keep it healthy.

Pests and diseases:
Camellias are prone to tea scale. Tea scale are small insects that have cotton like masses underneath the leaves and the presence of yellow blotches on the top side of leaves. If left untreated the bush will not thrive. Use of a systemic insecticide is preferred. Camellias can become subjected to root rot as well if it is grown in soil that is too damp or is over watered.

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Caring for Azaleas in your garden

Gorgeous pink Azaleas (Photo credit: dawnella66)

Azaleas can be a truly spectacular show of color in your landscape. While they aren't the most difficult plant to care for, they do have a few requirements that will ensure better results. There are very few yards in the south that don't have at least one Azalea. If you are a novice gardener, this shrub may be the one to try out. Inexpensive and usually easy to grow, it's an easy way to add beauty and color to your landscape.

1. Research Azaleas before you buy. A little research can go a long way when it comes to investing in your landscape. Ask questions from your local nurseries and find out which variety you are most likely to have success with. 
   
   
2. Plant Azaleas in a partially shaded location. Ideally it is best to plant Azaleas in early Spring or Fall. Azaleas do well in zones 6 through 8, however many have success in slightly cooler and warmer zones, when they apply more specific care to the shrub.
   
   
3. Make sure dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball of your Azalea.
   
   
4. To ensure a good start, replace garden soil from your newly dug hole with Miracle grow garden soil mix specifically for all types of deciduous, evergreen, and flowering trees and shrubs. 
   
   
5. Azaleas prefer an acidic soil with a ph level at about 5.5. Have your soil tested if you aren't sure.
   
   
6. Once your Azalea is planted, be sure to give it a long deep drink of water. This eliminates air bubbles and settles the fresh soil. Water like this every day for about two weeks to help your Azalea settle into its new environment. 
   
   
7. Add your mulch. Use fine shredded pine bark mulch, and/or pine straw around the base of your Azalea. Leave a little space between the base of the plant and the mulch. 

Bright red Azaleas (Photo credit: dawnella66)

Tip: Drive around your immediate neighborhood area and observe what results others are having with their Azaleas. If you see great results, take note of where the Azaleas are located. If you feel extra friendly stop and ask your neighbor what variety they are growing. Make sure to compliment their yard Most gardeners love the positive feedback for their efforts and don't mind sharing their advice with you.

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Mulching your summer garden

South Carolina environments can either be a plants best friend or worst enemy depending on what type of soil you have. Making amendments to your soil may be the only way to yield any good results from your growing efforts. There are many types of mulch that is available free or for purchase for you southern garden.

Bark Mulch

Image via WikipediaThis type of mulch typically has to be purchased somewhere and although it comes in a wide variety of colors to aesthetically enhance your garden it does have a few draw backs. Bark mulch is fairly pricey, doesn't decompose as quickly as some. Some types of bark/wood mulch can attract pests such as roaches and termites. Make sure not to place it too close to your homes foundation. Bark mulch is also susceptible to molds and fungus that could if touching the base of your plant kill it.

Pine Straw

Image via WikipediaPine straw mulch has been a southern favorite for many many years throughout the south. It is lightweight, easy to use, is readily available and allows for air circulation. As time goes by pine straw breaks down rather quickly and decomposed into the soil requiring more applications. Like bark mulches pine straw does harbor insects, and it is not uncommon to find roaches and other types of pests underneath a batch of pine straw.

Synthetic mulch

Synthetic mulches retain their color, come in a wide variety of colors and do not decompose over time like organic mulch. Ideally suited for beds that are close to the foundation of your home due to inability to rot or mold. Black plastic landscaping material is great up against the home, and placing synthetic mulch that mimics shredded bark mulch is a great choice. As with any type of plastic, it can become very hot in summer so make sure there are sufficient holes to allow for rain and airflow. With vegetable gardens, it is generally best to avoid synthetic mulches since there is ongoing debate on the chemicals of synthetic mulch leaching into the ground and because they are not biodegradable, there is no telling where it could end up years down the road.

Gravel and stone mulch

Image by James Bowe via FlickrPossibly the best choice for overall weed suppression especially if used in conjunction with plastic landscape fabric underneath. Stone may absorb heat on the top, but usually maintain a cool temperature underneath. Make sure to use porous landcaping fabric. If water is puddling anywhere in the bed, you may not have enough holes, add some easily with a pitch fork or other garden tool.