January/February 2013 Issue - Filoli

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CAMELLIAS IN CONTAINERS by Jim Salyards Filoli has a long tradition of camellias in the garden and for many years has used these wonderful evergreen plants in containers for display. Not only do they provide a stunning floral display when in bloom in the fall, winter and spring (depending on variety), but, because of their beautiful, glossy green leaves and an elegant habit, they also make a great foundation plant or specimen on a patio or added to any outdoor living space. Planting camellias in containers also provides an opportunity to grow them when general growing conditions are not favorable. There are a few rules for care specific to camellias, but many of the requirements apply to most shrubs grown in containers. Best Varieties Camellia species and cultivars with compact habits and short internodes work best and are the easiest to maintain in shape and size. C. sasanqua and C. japonica tend to work best, but other species can be grown in containers as well. Varieties in the Higo group have short internodes and beautiful, lustrous green growth with smaller flowers. Some of the varieties we have had the best success with include C. japonica cultivars ‘Panache’, ‘Debutante’, ‘Buttons ‘n’ Bows’ and ‘C.M. Wilson’. Light and Environment For optimal growth, camellias require semi-shade with special attention to protection from hot summer sun. Containers should be rotated regularly to promote even growth. The best location for a camellia is on the north or east side of structures, beneath trees or under eaves or a lathe ceiling. Camellias also like humidity, especially during the dry days of summer. Washing the foliage with water spray keeps the plants looking attractive and healthy. Soil Camellias require an acid soil that is rich in organic matter, but also one that drains well. The organic component can be any combination of peat, compost, leaf mold or composted bark. Our containers are potted with Filoli’s soil mix which is a ratio of five parts redwood compost to three parts perlite to two parts each coarse peat, sand and compost. Water and Fertilization Consistent moisture is critical for healthy, vigorous growth of camellias. Their roots are very fibrous and tend to form a mat at the soil surface. The entire soil surface needs to be kept evenly moist, Camellia ‘Buttons ‘n’ Bows’ in the Garden House. PAGE 4 January and February 2013, Filoli Highlights 4 but never soggy. Because surface roots are prone to burning, fertilizers should be of the slow-release type, like Osmocote, and applied every six weeks. Alternatively, an acid liquid feed every week or so during growing season after the plants have finished blooming is also acceptable. A non-chemical based, slow-release fertilizer is cottonseed meal applied at four pounds per 100 square feet four times per year. Roots will burn with application of soluble, high nitrogen fertilzers like ammonium sulfate. Potting and Repotting Timing for potting and repotting is critical. Potting should be done when the plants are dormant, or when there is no new growth visible. However, the best time is actually when the plants are blooming. When choosing a container for your camellia, one with a soil volume no more than 2-3 times that of the plant is best. For easy removal of the root ball when repotting, choose containers with straight or outwardsloping sides. Container plants should be potted up a pot size every year or two to reach desired size. Once the plant has achieved its ultimate size, which depends on the camellia variety and the space the plant is given, it should be repotted in the same pot every 2-3 years depending on the vigor of the plant. Remove the plant from the pot, carefully tease the dense outer root layer apart and proceed by scratching away soil so that one to two inch root segments are exposed. For many plants, and especially for camellias, a good technique is to use a hose with a highpressure nozzle to gently wash away the outer soil. Trim the roots and remove any long, circling roots on the outside edge of the root ball. Repot with fresh soil making any adjustments to plant angle as necessary, center the trunk in the pot and cock the root ball to straighten the trunk. Don’t make the mistake of potting the plant too high. Leave enough room so that the plant has a watering reservoir of about two inches down from the lip of the pot. Water the container thoroughly. Pruning Camellias develop their flowers at the outer end of the canopy. The best time to prune the plant for the most bloom is when they are dormant and in bloom. Heading back the branches to good healthy buds promotes more blooming. Pruning a camellia by thinning out branches opens it up but reduces its bloom. Maintain size and shape with regular pruning. Shape the plant as it grows, removing unwanted branches when still small. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf area at any one time. This article orginally was printed in the Fall 2003 issue of the Sundial Times. The editors felt it would be a good companion to the lead article on camellia renovation.
Friends of Filoli Board of Directors 2013 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: President Carol Croce VP, Events Ann Ritter VP, Support Operations Mark Gathmann VP, Volunteer Resources Julia Dillingham Secretary Nyna Dolby Past President/Nominating Chair Pam Smith COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND CO-CHAIRS: Art Committee Pat Park, David Sheetz Café Betty Zambetti, Sylvia Stoudt Floral Design Joan Upton, Donna Pellizzari Flower Arrangers Wendy Morck Garden Information Services Carol Hardesty, Caroline Zlotnick Garden Shop Staffing Janet Filippi Garden Volunteers Ann Mori, Deborah Iacoponi Hospitality Edith Phillips, Madeline Brane House and Garden Docents: School Tours Suzy Ferrari Guided Kay Andersen, Greg Mellberg Self-Guided Lorraine Nielson, Roxann Salgo Training Coordinator Florence Bell Library/Collections Diane Lawrence, Carole Farina Member Services Nancy Shannon Nature Education Heidi Brown Orchard Interpretation Don Andersen Video Bob Mitchell Visitor Services Kathy Bertonneau EVENT CHAIRS AND CO-CHAIRS: Spring Fling Peggy Anderson, Sue Pierce Jazz at Filoli Laurie Sells, Chuck Horton Flower Show Virginia Horta, Ann Mori Wine with Roses Katie Treu, Denise Schmid Twilight Garden Strolls Deborah Maufer, Ellen Berryhill Autumn Festival Gitti Kalkuhl, Donna Mollenhauer Holiday Traditions Margaret Ong, Jackie Hasenstab “Filoli Features” is Filoli’s Online Newsletter Filoli launched its first online newsletter in January 2007. We continue to send the online newsletter to all Filoli members each month. If you do not already receive Filoli Features, please share your email with us so that you don’t miss an issue. Send your email address to Member Services at membership@ filoli.org or call (650) 364-8300, ext. 508, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It will also be important to add newsletter@filoli.org to your email address book. 2013 Schedule of Events SPECIAL EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES— February 5 Filoli opens for the season at 10:00 am February 22-24 Opening Celebration: Daffodil Daydreams, Informative demonstrations, walks, talks and crafts February 27 Afternoon Tea— Continues 4th Wednesdays and April 10 through October April 6 Spring Fling— Activities and entertainment for the entire family May 9-12 Filoli Flower Show Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with family and friends June-September Jazz at Filoli Six Sunday afternoon concerts June 11 Member Benefit Event: Twilight Garden Stroll Filoli’s way of saying “Thank You” to members July 10 Member Benefit Event: Reception and Lecture Filoli’s way of saying “Thank You” to members July 20 An Evening of Wine with Roses An elegant evening of wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres in the Garden August 2-4 Summer Celebration: The Great Big Garden Bonanza Informative demonstrations, walks, talks and crafts August 21 Member Benefit Event: Twilight Garden Stroll Filoli’s way of saying “Thank You” to members September 12 Member Benefit Event: Reception and Lecture Filoli’s way of saying “Thank You” to members September 28 Autumn at Filoli Festival Celebrate the harvest and enjoy family entertainment October 27 Filoli closes for the season at 3:30 pm November 29- Holiday Traditions at Filoli December 7 Parties, dining, dancing and shopping For Holiday Closings and to Learn more throughout the year, visit Filoli’s website at www.filoli.org 7 January and February 2013, Filoli Highlights
Page 1 and 2: Call For Entries: Filoli Flower Sho
Page 3 and 4: Daffodil Daydreams —Continued fro
Page 5 and 6: Mr. and Mrs. Roth learned of Filoli
Page 7 and 8: Botanical Art f iloli education pro
Page 9 and 10: Introduction to Stained Glass Date:
Page 11 and 12: CAMELLIA RENOVATION AT FILOLI by Pa
Page 13: A B C Here, the process is depicted

January/February 2013 Issue - Filoli

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