Camellia oleifera |
Native Region: China
Zone Range: 6-10
Preferred Climate: Semi sun; well draining acidic humus rich soils
Harvest Date: Wednesday 07 September, 2011
Seed count: 10-12
Description:
Beauty wrapped in practicality. Fragrant white blooms clothe the plant in fall to early winter giving much needed pollen and nectar to winged migrants and bees. Flowers cleanly fall away from a the large swelling thick walled seed pod containing several seed bearing chambers. Smooth cinnamon coloured bark that invites the touch. Evergreen leaves. The most commonly grown Camellia for its economic importance via a valuable nutritive rich non-drying oil used in everything from cosmetics to cooking. One of the hardiest Camellia one can grow and is the parent to many hardy hybrids.
Cultivation:
Seed cold stratified and ready for germination when given gentle warmth. I recommend baggie sowing it and pricking out the transplants when the root is a couple of inches long. Transplant into deep containers and give indirect light and warmth to continue growth. Seat in the garden after frost has passed to ensure continued growth. Mulch well and provide moisture until established.
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