Beyond the Camellia Belt

Book excerpt: Gardeners seeking to adorn landscapes in more northerly climates with delicate camellia blossoms will learn how to in this comprehensive guide. Following a brief history of the genus Camellia and the breeding process which has enabled strains to survive in colder climates, this guide outlines the steps to success--from siting, planting, and fertilizing to pruning, propagating, and controlling pests and diseases. Besides offering a wealth of time-tested advice--from one who for more than 40 years has mounted extensive research in the cultivation of camellias suitable for areas outside of their natural habitat and has had a type of camellia named after him--this handbook provides a list of camellia varieties that will thrive in zones five and six, as well as appendices identifying camellia societies, nursery sources, collections, and suggested readings.