Neglected Plant

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30555, 25 September 1964, Page 6

Neglected Plant

The flowering of camellias is dependent to a large extent on the attention they receive while they are making their new growth. Camellias in general require little pruning but from time to time it does become necessary. This should be done after flowering. Where very large old bushes require attention and drastic pruning is necessary, spread it over a period of three years. All large cuts should be sealed to prevent the entry of diseases. Feeding of established camellias is often neglected and one sees many unhealthylooking plants. A mixture of three parts blood and bone and one part of sulphate of potash should be used at the rate of about four ounces to each square yard of rootspread. Because of the large canopy of leaves much direct rain may not reach the soil under the bushes and it is advisable to wash the feed in. As soon as the soil begins to warm up, a mulch should be applied to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Compost, well-rotted manure, straw or pea straw, or leaf mould can be used. Alternatively fresh sawdust can be used, with nitrogen added to aid in decomposition.

A common trouble with camellias is bud dropping. This is often caused by dryness at the roots during the summer. The soil around the bushes should be thoroughly soaked at regular intervals during the summer. Penetration of water can often be difficult—the surface soil may appear quite moist when it is bone dry a few inches down. During the summer one should inspect the soil at about nine inches depth. Where it is dry, bury a single tiled drainpipe vertically in the soil close to the bush and run the garden hose down it. Camellias are relatively free from pests and diseases. The most common trouble is caused by leaf roller, which binds the youngest leaves together and, while feeding between these, destroys the growing point and often the developing flower buds. This pest can be controlled by spraying as soon as it is noticed. Scale is occasionally troublesome but usually only on neglected bushes. Make regular inspections of the undersides of leaves. Spray any scale with malathion to which some spreader has been added.

Sun scorch can appear on bushes of all ages. It is probably best to plant in positions of light shade. Sun scorch, however, is aggravated by low potash in the soil so it is important that the general dressing of fertiliser in the spring is not omitted.

Flower Show.—The Canterbury Horticultural Society will hold its spring show at the horticultural hall on September 29 and 30. The main display will be daffodils. Camellias, shrubs and other spring flowers will also be displayed.