Volume 16, Number 4 August, 1963

CAMELLIA RUSTICANA (SNOW ) (See page 8)

(COi,,-tel)' Americall Camellia Society) 2 The Camellia Bulletin

Published by NORTHERN CAMELLIA SOCIETY. INC. OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT "Kenneth C. Hailstone (283-2218) "Hugh Paterson 996 Victoria .Court, Lafayette 16 Red Rock Way, San Rafael SECRETARY TREASURER "Gordon H. Goff (283-8894) Robert E. Ehrhart (935-7589) 1062 Sierra Vista Way, Lafayette 2117 Hadden Road, Walnut Creek "DIRECTORS J. Dillas Black Dr. Fred E. Heitman Lovell M. Preston Dr. Gordon W. Richmond PACIFIC CAMELLIA SOCIETY OFFICERS PRESIDENT SECRETARY VICE-PRESIDENT Raymond R. Noyes Miss Avonne Crawford, Thomas E. Hughes 123 N. Arden Blvd. 2301 Sylvan Lane 4135 Ramsdell Ave. Los Angeles 4 (HO 9-7583) Glendale 8 (CI 2-3366) La Crescenta TREASURER-Miss Coletta J. RettIe, 900 E. Mountain St., Glendale 7 CAMELLIA SOCIETY OF SACRAMENTO PRESIDENT . VICE-PRESIDENTS TREASURER John K. Bennett, Dr. D. Jackson Faustman (1st) Fred E. Carnie, Jr. 2690 Land Park Drive Winton Hill (2nd) 1607 Elsdon Circle Sacramento 18 (GL 3-1873) Carmichael (IV 9-2908) CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-Mrs. J. C. Reiners, 6160 S. Land Park Dr., Sacramento 22 (GA 1-5452) PENINSULA CAMELLIA SOCIETY PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY AND Rodney F. Collart Howard E. Burnette TREASURER 820 OregonAve., San Mateo Robert Hansel 197 Wellesley Crescent. Redwood City LOS ANGELES CAMELLIA SOCIETY PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY Ed Franklin Karl Anderson Judge Bayard Rhone 5916 Mammoth Ave. 424 - 16th St. 94 Fremont Place Van Nuys (213-785-0601) Santa Monica Los Angeles 5 (213-934-4050) TREASURER-Mrs. Pat Novak, 6516 Murietta Ave., Van Nuys BULLETIN EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR ADVISORY BOARD David L. Feathers Woodford F. Harrison 1 Camellia Lane, Lafayette Harold L. Paige ASSOCIATE EDITORS J. Carroll Reiners Roy T. Thompson Mrs. M. J. (Lilelte) Witman 6160 S. Land Park Dr., 2723 Hermosita Drive, Glendale 8 Route I, Macon, Sacramento The Camellia Bulletin. in keeping with the fundamental concept of the amateur organizations it serves, is a non-profit enterprise published quarterly (Nov., Feb., May and Aug.) by the Northern California Camellia Society, Inc. Its principal objects and purposes are furtherance of the enjoyment and benefits derived from the culture of and the dissemination of knowledge related thereto. By special arrangement with, and through the co-operation of, the Pacific Camellia Society, The Camellia Society of Sacramento and the Los Angeles Camellia Society, this Bulletin is also available in conjunction with membership, which is open to the general public upon applica­ tion to the Secretary of any of the societies mentioned, at the respective addresses shown above. For full membership in the Northern California Camellia Society, Inc., and with respect to all persons resident in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. the annual dues are $5.00-outside that area, limited membership privileges, including the right to all Society publications, are $3.00 per year. MEETINGS are held on the first Monday of each month November through May, at 8 p.m. in the Clarem':lnt Junior High School Auditorium, Oakland, and include an informal flower display and refreshments. All matter regarding the content of the Bulletin should be addresssd to the Editor. CHANGE OF ADDRESS should be reported promptly to your Secretary. as the Post Office will not fOPTard periodicals. Remit dues to Treasurer.

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The Camellia Bulletin 3

WATERING 'CAMELLIAS J. Carroll Reiners, Sacramento, California

HOW OFTEN? and WHEN? seem to can be controlled by the degree of shade be the most common questions relative to supplied. Lath is the least desirable of camellia watering. The simple answer for shade materials because it provides inter­ the frequency of watering would. seem mittent hot sun and shade; camellia leaves to be before the soil surface gets dry, and will burn under this condition. Low lath when it is most convenient, whether it be shelter is a poor choice, high lath not morning, noon, or night. Here there are quite so bad. Saran cloth seems to be the all sorts of built-in traps, which I would newest and finest of the shade materials. like to explain at length. For instance, I High shade is excellent. have seen soil surfaces bone dry,.in hard­ Air humidity can be controlled by fre­ pan soils, and 18 inches down the soil quency of spray irrigation and moisture would be water-logged. I have seen ca­ released from other vegetative material mellias growing where fertilizer salts adjacent to the camellias. Wind, sun, and have accumulated to a toxic degree and .reflected heat must be controlled in severe the would die were it not suffici­ climates. Mulching media, whether livin~ ently wet to keep the salts diluted enough or dead organic, will furnish a desirable for plant tolerance. During certain sea­ blanket to better regulate the soil tempera­ sons of the year, it is very important to ture and moisture conditions. know when watering should be done rela­ Camellias in an ideal well-drained soil tive to the time of day. So, let us start all are easiest to manage effectively. Danger over, and look at this watering problem of fertilizer burn is minimized because more objectively. the salts are easily translocated throughout We water camellias before the plant the soil area without being concentrated gets into trouble or stress so serious it in the top root areas, as happens in tight, cannot keep its tissues supplied with suffi­ poorly drained soils. Over-leaching from cient water to prevent the growing tips, too lengthy watering is a very real danger leaves, and/or flowers from wilting. This in very porous soils. Nitrogen leaches very condition should never be allowed to readily, potash leaches only moderately occur. The factors which will influence fast; phosphate usually fixes to the soil the rate of water loss are the moisture­ just where it is placed. A recent experi­ holding capacity of the soil. air tempera­ ment on lawns showed that all of the ture, air humidity, wind velocity, sun ex­ phosphorus in the fertilizer application posure, reflected heat, mulching media, remained in the top one inch of lawn soil. and root competition of other . In The other common nutrients leached to container plants we have one other fac­ various deeper levels. tor; that is the relationship of the size of The water-holding capacity of heavy the container to the quantity' of root 'sys­ soil is much higher than in silt or sand tern and the total area of leaf surface of and it may not need frequent irrigation. the plant. Root-bound container plants Over-fertilization is a danger in this con­ will dry out very quickly. The grower of dition, as is the accumulation of hard camellias will have to adapt his watering materials canied to the soil by "hard schedule to the ab:JVe conditions, and it water." If the grower resides in an area is within his power to take corrective of heavy soil. he would profit by making measures on many of the items and so an occasion",-l test hole with an auger to relieve the problem of freauent irrigation. determine the actual water condition in Briefly, sandy soils can be improved to the soil. It would be advisable to test to better hold water by adding organic m",-­ depths of 12 inches. 18 inches and 24 terial to the soil. which would include inches below the surface. Frequency and compost, lawn clippings, peat, ground duration of watering should be regulated bark. sawdust, leaf mold, etc. These same by these simple experiments which could materials help to loosen up heavy soil and save grief later on when defoliation, die­ better drainage follows. Air temperatures back, and eventual death of the camellias

" ------_ - _---_----. - - ~ •• • • ..' 4 The Camellia Bulletin seem unexplainable. In severely heavy pill bugs, etc., create irrigation problems soil conditions, you can plant your ca­ by "excavating" large cavities in the con­ mellias on top of the ground and mound tainers at the point of the drainage holes. earth up around the plant; then mulch Proper control can be bought cheaply by heavily or plant ground covers over the being careful at the time of planting or soil to prevent eroding the earth away repotting. Put gravel and clay pot frag­ from the mound. ments around the drain holes. Drainage Another factor which can "sap" the must be maintained but the cavities de­ earth of water are roots from nearby . scribed cause "mysterious" rapid drying. To all appearances the ground may be For general watering, there is no defi­ wet on top, but below your layer of nite figure how much water, in inches, mulched soil the greedy tree roots will should be applied. The variation of con­ have left the camellia root zone bone dry. ditions is infinite, but we can make a Under these conditions, water very thor­ quasi-comparison with lawn , which oughly and deeply. Irrigation may be con­ we figure on the following schedule of tinued for several hours at a time. In ex­ application in inches per week at these treme problems, an irrigation well, several geographical locations: Pacific coastal feet deep, may be bored and filled with areas, one inch; inland areas, Il1z inches; gravel so that water goes deeply into the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, tree root-zone. This sort of well-watering about 2 inches; and desert areas, 2l1z often reduces the tree root competition inches. It will take about 15 minutes to in the camellia's shallow root zone­ apply 2 inches of water over a 100 making all plants happy. Camellias are foot area from a hose running a full very tolerant of root competition, but they stream. If you use a sprinkler .system, must have their share of moisture,par­ (and it is recommended) you can check ticularly on days of stress when tempera­ with your dealer for the precipitation tures are high and humidity low. rate for your type of sprinkler. The above Plants in containers eventually become figures are given for the peak demand root-bound. At the very least, it is a daily months of the year. Conceivably, camel­ chore to water such plants sufficiently. lias would need less water than lawns Repotting to a larger size container with because the exposure to sun usually is fresh soil helps to restore the capacity for quite different. water storage. Then there comes the time The time of day for watering is always when the grower has reported his plants important. During the blooming period into a maximum size container. He can we wish to minimize blossom rot by never save the situation for quite a long time wetting the flowers on the plants and by removing cores of earth and root; an water during the early morning, so that electric drill with a very long shank bit by evening the ground conditions will does the job rather quickly. You then fill have had a chance to dry a little to lower the holes with peat manure or other me­ the humidity slightly and discourage to dia which have good water holding capa­ some extent the incidence of blossom rot. city. In six months these new soil cores During the vegetative growth periods will be filled with fresh, white, vigorous ( the non-blooming season) , overhead camellia roots. One can remove up to six irrigation is strongly urged. Water the cores from a two-gallon container with­ plants, earth, and allied camellia plantings out wilting the plant. If necessary. you as they would be in the natural state, may core the container two times a year, from above. Clean camellias are apt, like picking new spots each time. The bit for children, to be the most healthy. There is coring should be at least one inch in di­ a multitude of adverse hosts on the plants, ameter and the drill sharp enough to cut which number can be reduced by regular cleanly. foliage washing. Camellias suffer most While we are discussing container­ when the weather is windy, hot and dry, grown camellias, it might be wise to and it is in the middle of these days, when consider a not-sa-common trouble, but the climate is most severe, that foliage and interesting nevertheless. Playful snails, (Continued on Page 20)

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A DISCUSSION OF SEED PARENTS David L. Feathers, Lafayette, California As is quite generally known, there are velop some sort of guide lines for striving a number of organized efforts being made camellia breeders. In the long run we shall today by camellia breeders, in this coun­ endeavor to compile a list of those varie­ try and elsewhere, directed toward the ties, and hybrids known to be the attainment of at least three prime objec­ most promising parents and to this end tives: yellow color, fragrance.and real cold are soliciting all the dependable informa­ hardiness. The up-to-the-minute thinking tion we can get, and will make public seems to be that there is a chance the such data for the use of all interested per­ latter objective may best be reached sons. To the best of our knowledge, this through development of a deciduous ca­ will constitute the first organized attempt mellia, probably by crossing with a deci­ to compile information that might be duous plant of another genus, such as used as a basis of "pedigree" breeding of Gordonia altamaha. There is litde doubt camellias, in lieu of the more or less hap­ that a deciduous camellia, if it can be hazard experimenting now being done in obtained, would be far more cold hardy the majority of cases. than anything we have today. In this effort, it is recognized that one In this connection, there seems to be cannot say categorically what the outcome some tendency among certain strains of will be of any particular cross. It is always the saluenensis hybrids ('Monticello,' for possible that the most unpromising sin­ example) to drop their leaves annually to gle may produce a top notch offspring a point of almost complete re-foliation. when the right combination is found, as This hybrid has been reported to be quite witness the outstanding variety 'Guilio cold resistant and it is entirely possible Nuccio' from 'Kingyo Tsubaki:' (Fish­ there may be some trait of deciduousness tail). However, common sense dictates inherent in the saluenensis which certain the use of the most promising parents, combinations tend to emphasize. So far, particularly the employment of those par­ at least, it seems that the species saluenen­ ents evidencing to the greatest degree the sis has shown more promise than any characteristics which are desired in the other with respect to the ability to with­ offspring. For example, we know that stand cold. This appears to have been more 'Lady Vansittart' is a vigorous and com­ thoroughly established in Great Britain pact grower and is quite cold resistant; than in this country. that 'Elizabeth Boardman' has produced The success which Mr. Howard Asper some large seedlings (among them 'Mrs. and others have enjoyed in thematter of D. W. Davis') and tends to yield seed­ making supposedly impossible interspeci­ lings with large foliage, that C. cuspidata fic (and even intergeneric) crosses pro­ breeds fairly true (small white flowers, vides sufficient inducement and encour­ small leaves), etc. If we have some his­ agement to all would-be hybridizers to torical background on prospective parents try anything within the family and use it intelligently in a controlled which he thinks might yield desirable re­ breeding program, it stands to reason that sults. In so doing, it would be wise, how­ we are less likely to have so many camel­ ever, to take every precaution so as to be lia seedling culls. certain that the attempt has been success­ While it certainly must be admitted ful and is not merely the result of a sub­ that our main problem today is that we sequent and accidental pollination. have to with plants that are not While on this general subject, it might pure bred but rather largely the result of be worth mentioning that both the North­ the most widespread promiscuity, never­ ern California Camellia Society and the theless we have many camellias possessing Camellia Society of Sacramento have had exceptionally fine qualities and some that for some time advanced study groups and are almost faultless. In view of the many that the former is attempting, through a disappointments of the past with widely subcommittee headed by the writer, to de- acclaimed and publicized newcomers, 6 The Camellia Bulletin many of which have had the most fleeting with those camellias whose antecedents popularity, would it not be a step in the are best known. right direction for us to begin eliminating It has often been said that the limit of the known possessors of serious faults the japonica's potentialities has now been from our breeding programs, in an effort reached, consequently we must look to to upgrade our new productions? the hybrids and other species. This may There are two different ways of evalu­ be largely true insofar as innovation is ating a potential seed parent: ( 1) its concerned but the field is still wide open ability to set seed freely, and (2) the qual­ in that there is so much room for improve­ ity of the seedlings it produces. The first ment of existing japonicas, particularly is a comparatively simple matter to deter­ as to tolerance of weather extremes. mine but, where Nature is most bountiful, One final suggestion: In our efforts at it is least selective and use of the quantity improvement and innovation, let us al­ producer is best restricted to the most dif­ ways keep before us the important point ficult crosses. Furthermore, it would be that what we should strive for is not not only futile but unwise to attempt to merely upgrading and changing the classify seed parents according to their flower alone but rather the camellia as a value as a source of seed or pollen when whole; consequently our selection of par­ hybridizing, or when the careful bringing ents should also be motivated by other together of two parents having comple­ desirable objectives such as exceptional mentary desirable characters is the ob­ vigor, good plant form, the season of ject. According to the best information bloom, resistance to weather extremes, the writer has been able to gather from etc. When these essentials are kept in the practical experience of qualified per­ mind, the field of possible good parents sons, it is not too important that both is narrowed materially and the chance of camellia seed parents have a glamorous our adding to the already too lengthy list flower. Rather it is what results from the of what might well be called "glamorous blending of the characters of the two flops" is lessened materially, if we draw parents that is vital. One never knows upon the proper seed parents. what is in the background of a particular camellia! Hence we use extensively such With the foregoing qualifications and material as the insignificant-flowered C. an awareness of the inadequacies of our saluenensis in hybridization, looking to­ experience, we below what is of ward its other virtues such as ready com­ necessity a very incomplete list and cer­ patibility with other species, vigor, earli­ tainly an inconclusive evaluation of cer­ ness and sun tolerance. tain japonicas classified according to their It would be quite worthwhile for some desirability as seed parents, accompanied organization or group to undertake re­ by a brief commentary as to each of the search into the background of existing selections deemed Best. The writer wishes camellias, in furtherance of the "pedigree" to acknowledge the helpful assistance principle in camellia breeding, for if we rendered by Mr. K. Sawada, Mrs. M. J. know something of the 's prede­ Witman, Mr. Harold Paige and Others in cessors there is at least some chance that this regard. A star is given preceding the we can operate more intelligently in our name for each instance in which there has endeavors to create certain types. It would been a concurring opinion as to the de­ be most helpful if we even knew what sirability of the cultivar as a seed parent. the parents' parents were like! It would Where a single star is shown preceded seem this task would offer an interesting by an "F," this designates those camellias prospect for some research group. Along regarded as the most promising seed par­ these lines, the conscientious breeder of ents by the writer. The order of listing is camellias would do well to work largely solely alphabetical.

- The Camellia Bulletin 7

BEST GOOD FAIR TO POOR Countess of Orkney * *Berenice Boddy Amabilis PDr. Tinsley Chiyoda Nishiki Anita Edith Linton Elegans Cheerio * **Elizabeth Boardman Emperor of Russia Duchess of Sutherland F* Finlandia (flower) Flame Donckelarii F*Frank Gibson Flamingo Eleanor of Fairoaks *Imura Goshoguruma Finlandia (plant) **Kingyo Tsubaki Grandiflora Rosea Geo. W. Towle ( Fishtail) H. A. Downing John Illges F*Lady Vansittart (plant) Magnoliaeflora Kimberley PLindsay Neill Pink Star Lady Devere * Queen Sgt. Barrios *Lady Vansittart (flower) F*Mrs. Bertha A. Harms Shin Shioko Leona Bolen Nina Avery Tinsie (flower) Letitia Schrader Rev. John G. Drayton Triphosa Mme. de Maintenon Thelma Dale *Ville de Nantes Princess Murat Victory Waterloo Rosary Mr. Sawada adds: White Empress Sarasa Dr.W. G. Lee Wm. Downing Simplicity White Hibiscus Mrs. Witman adds: T. K. Variegated Leucantha Betty Sheffield family Tinsie (plant) Mrs. F. 1. Gibson To comment briefly on those regarded surprise; not only have its seedlings been Best: early bloomers, the flowers have been Countess of Orkney has yielded some large, compound and of a fine shade of rather good doubles, on slow growing red; foliage good and growth rather com­ plants with good foliage. Dr. Tinsley pact. Magnolia Queen (Priscilla Brooks) seems to produce consistently outstanding has given seedlings with rather large blooms, most of which are tinged pink or blooms of good form and substance, on a marginated, with a white background; fo­ strong plant. Mrs. Bertha A. Harms, a liage is exceptional and growth habit gen­ seedling of Lotus x Lady Clare, has a back­ erally compact, in fact. one plant is the ground that is sufficient in itself to recom­ most compact ever seen. Edith Linton­ mend it, coming from two very large­ experience quite limited but one outstand­ flowered parents; in addition, its pale blush ing formal double on a strong plant. Eliza­ blooms are large and very ethereal and beth Boardman - there appears to be its foliage exceptional. although the some genetic abnormality in this cultivar; growth habit leaves something to be de­ unusual vigor, large leaves and its record sired. Nina Avery seems to produce off­ of offspring to date might well justify a spring with much the same picotee-type chromosome determination. Finlandia has ("sweet pea") flowers as the parent, produced some lovely blush-colored seed­ rather tall and slender growing; would lings, including formals, but plants tend seem to have considerable potential. Rev. to be a bit leggy. Frank Gibson is a very John G. Drayton, while not a free seeder unusual camellia and another worth cyto­ has produced some symmetrical plants logical smdy; experience largely based wtih medium large blooms of a very at­ upon hand-pollinated seedlings but these tractive shade of pink. Thelma Dale ap­ have been quite above average. Imttra has pears to be a most promising parent; the established itself as the parent of several plants are extremely vigorous and the few outstanding camellias, some quite large. flowered have large attractive blooms; fo­ Kingyo Tsubaki (Fishtail) may also (be­ liage particularly outstanding. Victory has cause of its divided leaf terminal) have all the characteristics of a good camellia some genetic quirk and, besides Guilio and the seedlings seem an improvement Nuccio, has yielded some very fine plants. on the parent; a cross with Lindsay Neill Lindsay Neill has been a most pleasant might yield something quite outstanding. 8 The Camellia Bulletin

CAMELLIA RUSTICANA - THE "SNOW-CAMELLIA" OF JAPAN E. G. Waterhouse, Gordon, N.S.W., Australia At altitudes ranging from 3,500 down characteristics which differentiate the to 400 feet above sea level whole colonies snow-camellia from Camellia japonica. of snow-camellias are to be found grow­ Possibly the hairiness on the petioles has ing on sloping land under deciduous beech developed as a protection against the trees in the mountain regions to the north snow. This wild form of snow camellia of the main island of Honshu and facing then is found growing at high altitudes. the Sea of Japan. Heavy snow drifts come At low levels near the Japan Sea pure in from the north in December. covering Camellia japonica flourishes. In between the plants to a depth of up to 8 feet and there are areas in which the two meet and pressing the bushes to the soil. They re­ mingle. Here cross fertilization takes place main covered from December till the end and intermediate types are produced. Un­ of March when the snow melts at the fortunately wet weather prevented us touch of Spring and the camellias burst from visiting these intermediate areas but into flower. Here, then, is a type of camel­ we did see various garden forms derived lia which can exist for long months under from these crosses. In the lonely village of heavy snow without perishing, which the Higashi Gejo we saw two or three in ordinary Camellia japonica, which we every farmer's garden. They were in full know so well. would certainly do. Some bloom - a wonderful sight! They seemed botanists claim it is a separate species, far more floriferous than ordinary japo­ the more cautious are content to use the nicas. Perhaps this is due to hybrid vigour. term sub-species. Again in remote and secluded villagers' As you would expect from the long gardens a few miles distant from Kama continued weight of snow, the bushes are we saw a further range of these unnamed spreading rather than ereer. They extend garden forms. The flowers and flower­ laterally and some of the lower branches forms closely resembled those of japonica tend to layer themselves in contact with but the petioles had the hairs characteris­ the ground and to send up shoots at inter­ tic of rusticana. All of these plants were vals so that it is difficult to determine a certain age, some quite old. which is the main stem, and most other The question arises what is their vegetation beneath the trees is crowded origin? One view is that the native vari­ out to such an extent that the picture you ants were collected by the villagers from see is that of a vast extent of bush con­ the forest and transplanted in their farms. sisting of camellias. I found the branches The villagers themselves could supply no extremely pliable. You could bend them precise information. Our visit aroused without breaking them, and it was most their curiosity, if not their interest. As a difficult to pick a few blooms for Paul Japanese friend said rather quaintly: "The Jones to photograph. It was almost as if people of this district seem very affection­ the stalks were made of wire! ate to the visitors of camellia." All the blooms of these wild camellias Professor Hagiya, of Niigata Univer­ that we saw were single, with five narrow, sity, who has just published a study of the oblong . There were occasional snow-camellia, claims to have collected slight variations in size. Their colour 600 unnamed varieties. The importance of the snow-camellia is that its garden ranged from red through to pink. The forms may provide a range of camellias outspread blooms reminded us very much that could be grown in cold areas where of sasanquas. The filaments of the the ?rdinary Camellia japonica would not were cadmium yellow and the anthers surVive. quite small. The leaves were like japonica Studies on Snow-Camellia (Camellia leaves but were coarsely serrated and the rusticana) 1. Jour. Jap. Soc. Hort. Sci., Vol. midrib and veins were translucent. The 30. No.3, pp. 270-290. 1961. leaf-stalks (petioles) were quite short and (reprinted from Australian Camellia under the magnifying glass were seen to Research Society's Camellia News, No.7, be quite hairy. This hairiness is one of the Sept., 1962.) The Camellia Bulletin 9

A CHAT WITH HOWARD ASPER ON HYBRIDS We would be guilty of deception were requisite would be the matter of physical we not to explain that this isn't actually a proximity of one species to the other, verbatim reporting of a conversation held whether in nature or the garden. Inas­ with our good and always interesting much as this necessary prerequisite has friend from Escondido but rather the long been present in many parts of the transposition into a more readable form of camellia world, there would seem no good the contents from an exchange of letters reason to doubt such occurrence. This with him quite recently. Let us put the brings to mind C. granthamiana and the whole matter into the form of interroga­ rather remarkable situation surrounding tion by an "Inquiring Reporter." this new and somewhat mysterious spe­ Inquiring Reporter: The first point cies - the fact there appears to be but the upon which I should like to have an ex­ one plant in the wilds and evidently no pression of your opinion is this: Do you seedlings nor hybrids of it occurring nat­ feel that it makes any particular difference urally, although it sets seed quite readily in the result, when crossing C. japonica and has viable pollen. But this is largely and C. reticulata, which species is used as a matter of conjecture and we could go the seed parent? We have always under­ on and on about this without result. Of stood that it did not but our own experi­ more immediate concern, do you not feel ence has been that, in the japonica (seed that our chances for something outstand­ parent) x reticulata (pollen parent) hy­ ing are much better in the F-2 and suc­ brid the foliage (and to a lesser extent, ceeding generations than in the first gen­ the plants) is very predominantly japo­ eration of hybrids? nica-like. You have largely made the cross· H. A.: I certainly do. It would be re­ the other way, I understand, (reticulata as markable for us to attain the ultimate in the seed parent) but I believe have never­ the first generation, especially considering theless come to the same conclusion, al­ how wide so many of these hybrid crosses though I know that others contend it is are from a genetic standpoint. best to cross into (pollinate) the camellia /. R.: You need not comment on this, with the higher chromosome number (in but it seems to me that you have had re­ this case, reticulata). markable success with your C. japonica Howard Asper: I would say that there 'Coronation' x C. reticulata 'Lion Head' is no difference which way you go. One cross in the first generation. No doubt you thing is quite noticeable - no matter are planning commercial propagation of which is used as seed and pollen parent this fine hybrid and what can you tell us the foliage of the offspring will be like in this regard? the japonica parent. This brings up two H. A.: It will probably bear my name questions: (1) the question whether we but the plant will not be patented. We should not regard japonica as dominant are building up a stock as fast as we can over reticulata in those genetic characters and at the moment it looks as if we will having to do with foliage determination be in position to offer it for sale in the and (2) the question whether many of Fall of 1964. our present so-called japonica varieties I. R.: How about that other fine seed­ with out-sized blooms and foliage are not, ling from down your way, developed by in fact, naturally occurring hybrids from Dr. Urabec? When will it be released? away back. What do you think? H. A.: This has now been officially I. R.: I concur absolutely and have felt named 'Tiffany' and the propagators will for some time that this is something well offer it to the trade this September. worth immediate cytological study. I am I. R.: You have made a number of very certain that many of us have in our gar­ unusual and difficult crosses these last few dens today natural hybrids involving sev­ years. Would you care to talk about the eral different combinations of species, results obtained, both good and disap­ most of which are not recognized as such. pointing? In fact, in a climate favorable for seed set H. A.: Why certainly. I hardly know it would seem to me that the only other (Continued on Page 19) 10 The Camellia Bulletin

THE SOUTHERN SCENE Mrs. M. J. (Lilette) Witman, Macon, Georgia Looking over the Southern Camellia erty, , and a TIARA VAR at Kil­ shows reports for the season 1962-63 one gore, Texas, both from the open. cannot refrain from wondering whether It has been pointed out to us that the smaller blooms are returning in favor. It majority of these flowers came from the is remarkable to note how many medium- open. This might be another fact to pon­ size flowers have been show winners -A der, considering that they are planted side SAWADA'S DREAM won the top honor by side in our yards and groves with the (under glass) in Birmingham, Ala., and newer, larger varieties. Could it be then in Augusta, Ga., VILLE DE NANTES, that the small and medium-size older ca­ proudly holding more than its own as mellias are the hardiest? In any event it is usual each year, captured the coveted prize gratifying to realize that the judges are (under glass) in Greenville, S.c., Fort no longer hypnotized by imposing ctimen­ Worth, Texas, and in Elizabeth City, N.C., sions. This resurgence of interest in aver­ winning also the open class top award in age size camellia blossoms is a good omen Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C., Macon, Ga.. at a time when competition among ca­ and Beaumont, Texas. The "VILLE" real mellia fanciers has become so intense that triumph was however, in Greensboro, they seem to have only one goal in mind, N.C., where it was declared best in both that of growing larger and larger flowers, indoors and outdoors classes. Another to the extent of using chemicals (gib­ conspicuous winner in the medium-size berillic acid mainly) to accomplish this range camellias was the much admired stunt, and regardless of what increase in BETIY SHEFFIELD SUPREME. It size will inevitably take away from the reigned supreme in the under glass sec- blooms; that is to say, their delicate tion at Shreveport. La., Jackson, Miss., beauty and charm. Perhaps this is respon­ Memphis, Tenn., Whiteville, N.C., and in sible for the fact that judges are giving the open class at Jacksonville, Fla. more attention to the smaller flowers. The It was indeed gratifying to see the reason this writer is inclined to believe names of three "old-timers" coming back that it is indeed a great factor in their to the fore this season, all grown in the change of attitude is because of a note· open- a DONCKELARII in Columbia, worthy incident that happened at the last S.c., a FLAME in Memphis, Tenn. and a Birmingham, Ala., show. When it was CHARLOTTE BRADFORD in White- announced that a four-inch SAWADA'S ville, N.C. Two old favorites also found DREAM had been crowned "best in the themselves topping the grown-under- show," a spontaneous thundering applause glass class-ADOLPHE AUDUSSON came from the judges' ranks-an almost SPECIAL in Marshall, Texas, and ROSEA unheard of reaction, especially at a Bir­ SUPERBA in Richmond, Va. In New mingham show where it used to be said Orleans a grown in the open KATHER- that one never entered gleefully a blossom INE MARYOn was the winner. Balti- less than seven inches in diameter. It was more, , went all out for the small a thrilling moment as it gave one the dainty charmers: It gave the top honor to feeling that "shackles had been broken" a DR. TINSLEY in the open class and to and that a new trend of appraisal hal KITIY, a lovely miniature, under glass. finally begun. The pride of the , D.C., show In the South there is a "budding" con­ was a BEAU HARP grown under glass troversy about what should be done with while the "open" class top selection in the Yearbook. Some (few we dare hope) Jacksonville was a MRS. HOOPER CON- would prefer its elimination in favor of NELL. A four-inch-wide FLORENCE an increased number of Journals. This STRAnON of exquisite beauty beat all writer strongly feels that if this happened the plate-size blossoms grown indoors at it would be a serious blow dealt to the the Macon, Ga.. show, while a SUSAN American Camellia Society. We think the STONE was "QUEEN of the day" at Lib- Yearbook is the greatest contribution to The Camellia Bulletin 11 camellias made by the ACS. It is, we be­ garden or in the greenhouse, fair also to lieve, what distinguishes this organization the nurseryman whose honesty would not from the other societies in the United be questioned and who would not be ac­ States. Its elimination would put it on the cused, as they have been already in some same footing with them all. Furthermore, cases, of misrepresenting the they readers are inclined to discard the j our­ sell. This problem becomes particularly nals, which generally contain ephemeral serious and baffiing when it comes to material such as reports on members' and judging the seedling class: A seedling, it societies' activities, but proudly add the seems, should be an unadulterated gift of Yearbooks to their libraries because they Nature, and if it has been tempered with contain articles of lasting value and inter­ in any way it should be declared unfit for est which will convey to the future gen­ competition. Then take the case of hy­ erations the thinking of our times about brids - in one of the shows attended by camellias. the results of fanciers' efforts· this writer a small, queer looking blossom, and the progress made by our scientists really deformed, having all the earmarks in the camellia field. So let all interested of an unsuccessful "gibbed" flower won members of the ACS drop a note to the hybrid class. The reason given by the Aubrey Harris, the ACS president, or to judges was that it was "different." Indeed Joe Pyron. its secretary, at Box No. 465, it was ...! Camellias do not grow nor­ Tifton, Ga. It is important to nip this mally that way! However, I quite under­ regrettable suggestion in the bud. stood the hesitation and constermtion of In the South it is still debated whether the judges, for the other hybrids entered artificially stimulated (gibbed) blossoms in competition had no distinctive charac­ should compete in a separate class. These teristics. So the "misshapen" one won. flowers have already become a source of This is what we will have to face unless great confusion in shows where judges this kind of flower is displayed in a sepa­ are more perplexed than ever when it rate class. comes to awarding blue ribbons fairly. It· Will there be more Fall shows in the would seem honest and equitable to us South as logically there should be? Every­ that chemically treated camellias be put one has been asking this question. Judging in a class of their own - fair to the growers who do not believe in such a by the preliminary list of shows for the practice or do not have the necessary time coming season that appeared recently in or skill for it, fair to the public who the journal it seems that people have al­ would not be fooled into believing that ready forgotten our new winter tempera­ such abnormally large blooms can be tures or that they simply refuse to be grown by ordinary means either in the realistic.

LOS ANGELES CAMELLIA SOCIETY ANNUAL SUMMER POT LUCK DINNER The Annual Pot Luck Dinner was held from the Los Angeles Council in attend­ at the home of Judge and Mrs. Bayard ance: Mr. Ed Metcalf, President, Messrs. Rhone, 94 Fremont Place, Los Angeles, on Wilkins Garner, Al Gunn, Tom Hughes, Sunday, July 21, 1963. At four o'clock Alton B. Parker and guest, Doug guests began to arrive with their favorite Thompson, and C. W. Pitkin. Alton B. Parker described the Camellia Casserole, Vegetable or Salad dish. Plants, in his unique and entertaining At five o'clock a long table was filled way, from Pat Novak's excellent selection with all the goodies and the fun began. furnished by Nuccio's Nursery. Forty-nine guests sat around tables in Guests were given an opportunity to the yard - visiting, renewing old and win one to take home. Mr. C. W. Pitkin making new acquaintances. was the prize winner. We were honored to have members (As reported by judge Bayard Rhone.) 12 The Camellia Bulletin

NEW PLANT FOODS FOR THE LAZY GARDENER J. Carroll Reiners Most of us are eager to try something lease of nitrogen and hence less leaching new, particularly if it will reduce the and less frequent applications of fertilizer. amount of work involved in some proj­ Coated Fertilizers. This form of deliv­ ect. The fertilizer industry is actively and ery of nutrient to the plant is so new that quite competitively looking for easy-to­ it maynot be on the market, but it soon apply and longer-lasting elemental fer­ will be because it is the ultimate in ease tilizers. Perhaps you may be interested in of application. plus the slow-release fac­ a few of these that have appeared during tor. Individual granules of inorganic ele­ the past year or two. ments with a resinous, polymeric coating I remember a moving picture of about with moist soil or water gradually dis­ 30 years ago which was based upon pos­ solving through the membranes and dif­ sibilities of the year 2,000 A.D. The hero's fusing into the surrounding soil particles. meals consisted of tablets which con­ The coatings are designed for the length tained a full course dinner from soup of the growing season. In the case of through dessert. Today we have just this nursery stock camellias, the coatings are sort of thing designed for plants. Plant meant to release the elements over a pe­ tablets have been made for many years riod lasting from four to more than six past, but in this new idea the nutrients months. are released slowly. Metal Ammonium Phosphates. This fer­ Urea-formaldehyde has been formu­ tilizer is a compounded product of am­ lated in slow-release nitrogen by itself or monium, phosphate, and metal ion de­ in combination with the other basic ele­ signed for slow nitrogen release. The per­ ments in various percentages to fit speci­ centages of nitrogen run in the approxi­ fic needs. These tablets are patterned to mate amounts of seven to eight, to 35 or provide a scientifically balanced, low tox­ 40 per cent phosphorus, or proportions of icity plant food of long-lasting charac­ one to five. This would be dangerous to teristics in an accurately measured amount. use over a sustained period but would The tablet is placed on the container soil, seem to have a distinct advantage as an and it properly feeds the plant for four initial application at the time of planting. to six months. These pellets are also avail­ The duration of elemental release is de­ able for plants growing in the ground. termined by the size of the particles. One of the slow-release products in this Pellets the size of golf balls may last over category is called Nitrofarm, and contains two years where the nutrients are needed 38 percent nitrogen. Other formulations in planting larger trees. Duration for con­ known as Agriform Blue Chip contain the tainer stock would be for the growing following percentages of nitrogen, potas­ season. The rate of release of this product sium and phosphorus: 29-29-0, 24-24-8, is accelerated in very wet soil and de­ and 21-8-8. The last named would be de­ creased in dry soil. Increase of acidity sirable for most camellia areas. and, to a minor extent. increase of tem­ The Sacramento Camellia Forum re­ perature influences the acceleration of the cently completed a two-year test of Nitro­ release rate. form on Camellias. Forty plants were used To summarize, we can say that these in this experiment, using varied applica­ new additions to the pelleted fertilizers tions from one teaspoon to four ­ all have certain advantages due to the spoons per application for one gallon controlled availability of nitrogen. Nearly container plants. The plant measurements all compounds of ammonium or nitrate after two years of checking against other are highly soluble and are immediately fertilizers were favorable. Several plants, available to plants and equally subject to as expected, died from the four-teaspoon leaching beyond the reach of the roots of applications. The average growth with the the plants. The Urea-form and coated fer­ use of this material was equal to or better tilizers offer a safe and longer-lasting nu­ than that for untreated checks. The advan­ trient release. The costs are higher but tage of this fertilizer lies in its slow re- the work involved is less. The Camellia Bulletin 13

COLOR OBJECTIVES Mrs. Herbert J. (Irene) Teachout, Orinda, California Recently I gave a party- a very special we have color schemes worked out for us party. It was planned to surprise a distant to guide us in color harmonies. relative who did not know that for years In a recent magazine article I read some I had been studying and working with brief statements by leading American flower arrangements. Generous friends color authorities about the wonder and helped me out with plant material. for value of color. There were some conflict­ my camellias are no help during the hot ing ideas but all recognized the two basic summer months. Lush Bells-of-Ireland types of color schemes: #1, the RE­ formed an exquisite background for LATED color scheme (including both sprays of velvety white phaleanopsis # I-a, the MONOCHROMATIC and orchids. Vandas, cymbidiums, catteleyas­ #1-b, the ANALOGOUS color schemes) all made the task of designing arrange­ and #2, the COMPLEMENTARY or ments pure joy. Then at the last minute a CONTRASTING color scheme. They friend arrived with a huge bucket of wrote on the assumption that just about - pink Queen Elizabeths, rosy Charlotte everybody knows that the three primary Armstrongs and deep rose-red Chrysler colors are red, blue and yellow, from Imperials. They defied arranging in any which come the secondary colors, green, form of elaborate design in the limited and violet which, with their flank­ time allowed. They were so beautiful as ing combinations, make up the standard they fell, in my haste. into a large crystal 12-color wheel. (You don't have a color clear bowl that I decided to leave them wheel? Go to any paint shop and they just as they were. Why bother with de­ will be glad to show or give you one.) sign? The color was the beauty that one From this simple background it is very beheld! And the soft beige-pink on the easy to understand that the monochroma­ wall against which I placed them made tic scheme (I-a) is based on a single a perfect background for the glowing color, using various tints, shades and color of the roses. tones of that single color to produce a When my guests arrived, the carefully serene, easily achieved effect; the analog­ designed orchid arrangements were enthu­ ous (I-b) uses colors that lie side by side siastically admired and discussed in de­ on the color wheel (e.g., red violet, red tail, but the first exclamations of delight and red-orange; or blue-green; green and were for the brilliant splash of pure color yellow-green); the complementary or made by the mass of roses in my entrance contrasting schemes (#2) use colors op­ hall. Later on, answering questions of posite each other on the color wheel and some of my friends who feel inadequate produce the most stimulating and exciting to work with flowers because of lack of effects. study and formal training, it brought to Even with this small amount of basic mind the long winters of working with information, you can begin to have confi­ glorious camellia colors. And the thought dence in your work and not be troubled grew that the party discussion of color with the often frightening problem of might prove helpful in a small way to what to do about color. The fact is that camellia friends who know all about how most people do depend upon their own to grow them, but who sometimes say, good taste in using color. Since most peo­ worriedly: "But now that I have them, ple have good taste in varying degrees, what am I going to do with them?" there is nothing wrong with this, except When I plan an arrangement of any that they may be limited in what they kind, I think first of what new colors are willing to try or experiment with. I might be put together. Every color alone remember years ago when one of my is beautiful. It is when one puts two or' teachers startled her class by 'expressing more colors together that the result is her conviction that most people have either good or bad. In other words, colors good taste and that studying encourages can help or hurt each other. This is why them to utilize this inherent taste to the 14 The Camellia Bulletin

best possible advantage. Most of us did of color magic to explore. not agree with her then but I can see now Since camellias so far are available in that she was right. How often have you only one of the three primary colors (red heard people say: "I can tell when some­ only - no blues or yellows) it becomes thing is good, and I like it, even though I necessary to use other flowers with them cannot do it myself?" My husband can go to widen the range of color combina­ to a flower show before it is judged, look tions. I usually prefer the related or an­ at the arrangements and pick out the alogous color schemes (l-a or I-b) to the really good work there. He is not at all contrasting (#2) combinations. artistic in a creative sense but he is, like More new color combinations should most people, aware of and appreciative of be tried when using camellias with other beautiful and artistic effects achieved by plant material in our arrangements. This others. is the area that will eventually expand our Now let us consider the subject of color horizons. Much has been done in design in working with camellias. The primary but color still has unlimited possibilities. color is red, with all its tints (light This is not an easy thing to write about. values), shades (dark values) and inten­ It is much more helpful to look carefully sities. Anyone can select from a large ca at demonstrations with real blooms which mellia garden a blush pink (pink, re­ illustrate vividly what I am trying to put member, is a dilution of red), then a light into words. This is one reason why most pink, a medium pink, a deeper pink, a well managed camellia societies plan at rose-red and a red. Here you have a per­ least one program each season devoted fect example in camellias of color scheme exclusively to answering the plaintive I-a - the related, monochromatic color question: "Now that I have them, what harmony. What a lovely bouquet you can shall I do with them?", by scheduling have with this simple arrangement, using demonstrations of flower arrangements one color in its light to dark values. using camellias. Well recognized authori­ How about the red and white varie­ ties, or their highly trained pupils, doing gated camellias and what can be done the work before your eyes, can show you with these unusual flowers? Certainly with plant material what they are trying they are dramatic and gay. I often use to explain in words. And the crowds that these two colors for teen-age parties. make the flower arrangement sections the Think how they will sparkle on a red best attended at any camellia show, testify cloth, using white dishes? Or, if you have to the eagerness of the general public to no red and white variegated variety just learn. Comments by judges on entry when you need it, red and white camellias cards, explaining the reasons for awards can be placed together in a container, or failure to win awards, may not be ap­ producing the same delightful effect. preciated by the exhibitor but are excel­ White holds a unique place in the lent instruction for the uninformed. world of color for it does not even appear Another point to remember when work­ on a color wheel. It is really neutral and ing with camellias is that color in camel­ so can be used effectively with all other lias is variable. I can remember picking colors. Since white stands our so conspicu­ the variety Marjorie Magnificent one year ously when used with any other color, it and working to the yellow that appeared is best to plan to use it as a focal point in its pink. When I picked the same va­ and let it predominate, rather than ruin riety in my garden a year later, there was visual balance. no trace of yellow. It looked like any White camellias with yellow stamens other pink flower there. Weather has are a delight to use for here we have an­ much to do with the color of these flowers. other color introduced: yellow, that lends After a severe winter some seem to be­ itself naturally and effectively to the ma­ come more intense in color. Soils do af­ jor emphasis on white. This combination fect camellia color conspiculously. I re­ of white with yellow is much in demand member hearing Dave Feathers comment and when we finally achieve a truly yellow on the fact that the red camellia varieties camellia there will be a whole new field (Continued on Page 18) The Camellia Bulletin 15

Millions of words have been written Once in a while, usually in September, about flowers and their qualities and char­ there will come a sudden, fierce blast of acteristics. but no way of measuring heat which literally burns camellia leaves beauty has ever been devised. We can to a crisp in an hour or so. This doesn't use only general (and mostly vague) happen every year, but when it does, it terms when describing the effect of a means that there is no moisture or vapor flower on one's emotions. Even the busi­ in the air to obstruct or ameliorate the ness of describing colors is difficult be­ direct rays of the sun. The term "sun­ cause we have to use words and color tolerance" is misleading when this occurs, words are notoriously slippery and hard for the killing of leaves is simply the to pin down. Various color charts have result of the sudden, intense application been invented, but in the end their colors of heat without the usual protection of air have to be translated into words and moisture. If. when this heat comes, the somehow a great many of these words plants are in need of water (that is, the are, unfortunately, meaningless to the leaves do not have their normal supply of average flower enthusiast. As for the color water stored in the cells) their destruction words in common use, they are subject to is all but certain. The moral is, be gener­ individual interpretation and can be ac­ ous with water in September. cepted only in a general sense. However, Sometimes in the Spring when camellia these difficulties are minor compared to plants are loaded with flowers, or perhaps the joys a gardener experiences in pro­ new growth, a hot spell will come, the ducing flowers. leaves will wilt and the flowers become limp, but there is no burning. In this case, it is merely an indication that the plant's It is amazing what a different character water distribution system is overloaded variegation brings to a flower. Reg Rag­ for the moment and cannot supply water land Variegated, for example, is not at fast enough to overcome the evaporation all the same thing as the solid color flower in the young leaves and flowers. In Sep­ of the same name. Not that one is more tember the heat is more intense and di­ (or less) valuable than the other; each rect and all the leaves (which are now has its own value. For example: a red Reg fully mature) on top of the plant may be Ragland produces a most effective decora­ killed. tive effect against a white stucco wall, whereas the variegated form is much less It will soon be time for disbudding so. When seen together on a show table, camellias and the importance of this prac­ the liveliness and sparkle of the variegated tice cannot be overstated. The usual rea­ form puts the red form at a disadvantage. son given for disbudding is that it pro­ Each must be seen in its own best envi­ duces larger flowers. This is, of course, ronment. (Continued on Page 20) 16 The Camellia Bulletin

WHAT OF THE SASANQUA?

The work which the writer has done in while there are many with a rather open connection with Camellia Rating the past habit and thus quite amenable to espa­ few years has tended to produce an ex­ liering. treme consciousness as to the value of Contrary to fairly general belief, the what might be called a "whole camellia" sasanqua species is not as cold hardy as as opposed to one which might be de­ the japonica. Dr. Francis De Vas, Assist­ scribed as a "special purpose" at "limited ant Director of the U. S. National Arbo­ value" camellia. In case it may not be retum in Washington, D. c., told the writ­ perfectly dear what is meant by a "whole er some time ago that both C. sasanqua camellia" it is one which serves all the and C. rusticana had proven to be less purposes well for which a camellia may be cold resistant than the japonica in his used as an attractive evergreen, a flower­ climate. This has been the experience in ing plant and a source of valuable cut Great Britain, over a period of several flowers. Insofar as the species are con­ years. cerned, only the japonica possesses such While the quality of the sasanqua has qualifications. It is going to require inter­ been improved over the years similarly to specific breeding in order to convert the but in lesser degree than the japonica, the sasanqua and the reticulata to the status of fact remains that it will almost surely con­ all-purpose camellias. tinue to be a "limited purpose" camellia until such time as proper combinations By far the greatest weakness of the sa­ may be worked out with other species, sanqua is its shortness of flower life on which will impart the necessary duration the plant and inadequacies as a cut flower. of flower life on the bush and after cut­ It is, of course, just about useless for cor­ ting. The writer knows of no authenti­ sage purposes. On the other hand, the cated crosses between C. sasanqua and sasanqua possesses some splendid attri­ C. japonica, although there is a great deal butes. Perhaps its greatest merit is its of presumptive evidence that it has been earliness, as it is the harbinger of the accomplished by way of a putative hybrid camellia season. It is also excellent as a produced by Mr. Walter G. Hazlewood garden because of its mass bloom­ of Epping, New South Wales. This is ing and the long, pendulous growth of a sasanqua-like camellia reported to be some varieties results in a most gratifying a hybrid with C. japonica 'Hassaku.' esthetic effect because of the graceful The flower and form and texture form of the branch clothed with color seem to be slightly different from sasan­ when in bloom. quas generally but if this is actually a On the artistic side there is the oriental hybrid it must be regarded only as an character and the beautiful color contrast intermediate step because the principal in those flowers which have the rather fault has not been overcome. It may be typical bright pink and rose margination that the quick-shattering characteristic is on a white base. Notable too, is the spicy so inherent and so dominant in the sa­ perfume one gets from a large plant sanqua as to require many generations of blooming in the sun, which sasanquas hybrids to breed it out if, in fact, it may seem to tolerate much better than japoni­ be eliminated at all. That prospect and the cas, perhaps due to their much smaller lack of real cold resistance somewhat be­ leaves. Another of the more practical vir­ clouds the usage of the sasanqua in a hy­ tues is the ability of the sasanqua to thrive bridizing program, for any concerted ef­ in poorer and more alkaline soils. The fort at camellia improvement should hold spreading growth habit of some varieties greater cold resistance to be one of the makes sasanquas far more suitable than primary objectives. japonicas for ground-cover purposes, -D. 1. F. The Camellia Bulletin 17

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

A letter from Glenn Hiatt, Secretary of Louise, left here in June for Lauderdale, the Camellia Research Advisory Commit­ Miss., where Clif will have charge of the tee. informs that a vigorous camellia hy­ installation of a camellia and gar­ bridizing program by Drs. Albert Long­ den on a large estate. We wish these good ley and Clifford Parks is now well under friends well in their new undertaking, way. Over 5,000 crosses have been made which must have been a challenge that with the objectives of developing yellow could not be resisted. In expressing the pigmentation in the flowers. extending the hope that the Lattins will return to this range of cold resistance and in connection area eventually (if not sooner) we merely with further research designed to open express the feelings of their many friends the way to flower fragrance. The first in this state. group of seedlings is developing rapidly under controlled conditions and the blooming of the first plants is now impa­ Another couple quite active in this So­ tiently awaited by all. ciety's affairs over the past several years f f who recently left for distant parts is the Mr. Frank Griffin, Sr., Editor and Pub­ William B. Parkers. formerly of Orinda, lisher of The Camellian, has recently is­ who left a few months ago for Bridge­ sued a circular letter to all concerned ville, , where they have pur­ advising that publication is to be discon­ chased 24 beautiful acres of land sur­ tinued immediately. According to the an­ rounded by a pine forest and are now nouncement, everything incident to the engaged in setting up the "Orinda Ca­ publication of every issue over the past 14 mellia Nursery." The Parkers hope that years has been done by Mr. Griffin per­ any friends, old and new, interested in sonally, without assistance, and he feels camellias will look them up when in their that he has now reached the stage of life area. Knowing them to be really dedi­ where the undertaking has become toO cated camellia people we feel sure of their strenuous to continue. Mr. Griffin further success and wish the Parkers well in this advises that he will devote a year to com­ new venture. piling a new book to be titled "Camellian" and that the value of any uncompleted Speaking of folks moving, we are in­ subscription may be applied toward the formed that Dr. and Mrs. Cecil Eshelman, purchase price of the limited edition, or formerly of Sherman Oaks, have pur­ will be refunded upon request. We wish chased 17 acres about a mile distant from Frank Griffin well with his new book and the Howard Aspers in the Escondido, shall miss his at times controversial but California, area and are now or will be always colorful publication. shortly moving their entire collection of f f f camellias to their new location. With twO It is California's loss and 's such enthusiasts as Cecil and Howard next gain that one of our most outstanding and door neighbors practically, and unlimited successful camellia hobbyists and exhibi­ space in which to ramble with their ca­ tors, Clifton W. Lattin of Oakland, past mellia activities, the Escondido area prom­ President and long-time important figure ises to become something of a Mecca for in the affairs of the Northern California the camellia fan visiting the Los Angeles Camellia Society, and his good wife, area.

If you are interested in reticulatas, your choice of these exotic camellias is about to be widened appreciably. This species seems to seed far more freely than was antici­ pated and thousands of new seedlings will have reached the blooming stage before another season has passed. To a somewhat lesser degree, the same is true of hybrids having reticulata blood. There is thus real hope for better plants and a wide range of flower colors and forms. 18 The Camellia Bulletin

COLOR OBJECTIVES (Cant. from Page 141 of New Zealand and Australia are gen­ the background and are subject to the erally more vivid than our own because same general principles. The container of the larger percentage of iron in the should never compete with the flowers soil, while the heavy rainfall in New Zea­ (nor the plant) for attention. If it is so land may also be a faaor affecting the highly ornamental and beautiful that you color of the blooms in that area. want people to notice it, use it by itself The variety C. M. Wilson is a light as an object of art. In color and texture it pink camellia with enough blue in it to should subtly add to the beauty of the give it a delicate lavender cast. This color harmony of the plant material­ flower is best used by itself or with other not detraa from it. lavender hues. Our new hybrids have This past year I have been interested these lovely soft lavender hues and I did in trying to find and use camellias that enjoy working with this color last season. come in tones and hues not usually found The exquisite hybrid, Monticello, was an in the average. garden and not often seen especial joy to work with in one arrange­ in the arrangement sections of our shows. ment. (The judges liked it, too. It won a The so-called "black camellia" is Kuro blue ribbon-Ed.) Tsubaki. It is black-red in color, small in When we work with these lovely hues size and not very distinctive in form, but in flower arrangements, it is most impor­ it is being used by some camellia hybrid­ tant that we provide them with a satisfy­ izers who are working for dark red flow­ ing background. "House Beautiful" for ers, larger in size and more beautiful in March. 1962, page 133, suggests: "Here form. What a thrill it will be if some again it is wise to turn to nature for the successful hybridizer eventually produces answer. For nature never makes a mis­ a large, new velvety black-red single ca­ take - colorwise. And Japan, the culture mellia, with an abundance of golden yel­ that has achieved the greatest heights of low stamens. * I have a name ready for this beauty in man-made things, has studied new camellia. It should be called "Rem­ nature and applied her principles more brandt Red" for the great Old Master used assiduously than any other civilization." this magnificent color in abundance in his The lovely muted grays, greens and paintings. It may never be awarded "Best browns are always safe and this is what in Show" by the usual panel of masculine nature uses for the great expanses. Bril­ camellia show judges, but a panel of ar­ liant colors are usually provided in small rangement judges, whether men or amounts, comparatively, as accents and women, would see that it received the highlights in our landscapes. This princi­ honors due it. ple is very important in selecting beauti­ Here is a real challenge to the grow­ ful and harmonious backgrounds for your ing number of camellia hybridzers - to colorful camellia arrangements, which be­ produce the lovely new camellia colors come the accents in your home decoration scheme. that color-conscious arrangers are waiting It is equally important to remember, for. too, that vases and containers are part of *Lady in Red might fill the bill. - Ed.

NEW INFORMATION FROM UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXTENSION The University of California Agricultural Extension Service, Berkeley, Cali­ fornia, has published an excellent leaflet, #151, titled "Diseases of Camellias." You should have it. The Camellia Bulletin 19

CAMELLIA CHLOROSIS J. Carroll Reiners, Sacramento, California This past winter here in Sacramento phate sulphur in these soils. Apparently, apparently played tricks with some of the the use of soil sulphur in its elemental soil elements which are so necessary to form will create a lasting condition, Camellia culture. At any rate, nearly whereas the more soluble forms such as every camellia fancier of the areil has re­ gypsum and ferrous sulphate are more ported unusual chlorosis on occasional subject to rapid leaching. plants. Usual corrective measures did not It is suggested that you consider the seem to remedy the problem, at least dur­ following additives: apply gypsum, which ing this unusually cool late spring and is neutral, if your soil is already quite early summer. . acid; if·it calls for additional acid. then I discussed this with a local soil chem­ use ferrous sulphate. Ammonium sul­ ist who is actively engaged in the mysteri­ phate usually supplies enough sulphur for ous world of intricate relationships of the average soil. Try iron chelate if you plants and the soil elements. He explained are not deterred by the high cost of this that sulphate sulphur is subject to consid­ product. There is a new product just're­ erable leaching during winters of exces­ cently available, called "Iron Sulphur," sive rains such as we experienced. This which, when put into the soil and sub­ leaching is particularly excessive because jected to air, water, and bacteria, releases we go to extra trouble to plant our ca­ iron, zinc, copper and manganese in sul­ mellias in well-drained soil. The lower phate forms. This is economical as one spring and early summer temperatures pound will be sufficient for one to two seem to have slowed up the conversion of hundred square feet of area. The Iron our additives to correct the loss of sul- Sulphur is an acidifying agent. A CHAT WITH HOWARD ASPER (Cont, from Page 91 where to start but, to end on a happy note you know, had very good results from the will begin with the disappointments. Out 'Lion Head' x 'Coronation' cross and have of 12 hybrids produced from crosses of several good hybrids from crosses of C. reticulata 'Buddha' x C. granthamiana 'Crimson Robe' with japonicas. In the I got absolutely nothing worthwhile and straight reticulatas, 'Chang's Temple' x the same result from crosses of 'Buddha' 'Moutancha' has yielded some very fine with several japonicas. However, grantha­ results and I plan to introduce several of miana has very viable pollen and can be these shortly. Crosses of sasanquas 'Naru­ used in almost any camellia cross, I would migata' and 'Kasumi-no-Sode' with reti­ judge. culata 'Lion Head' have been very reward­ The attempt to approach a yellow ing and I consider the blooms quite flower by crossing C. pitardii with Tut­ outstanding. Incidentally, 'Narumigata' cheria spectabilis proved to be very dis­ sets seed very well. While I have never appointing. The two hybrid seedlings ob­ known 'Purple Gown' to bear seed. its tained bore very sorry-looking pink flow­ pollen is excellent and seems to transmit ers, with no indication of yellow pigment. ; very fine shade of red to its seedlings. I used the small-leaved pitardii, which has That is about all I have to report at the an apple-blossom-like tiny flower. Some moment. contend this is a form of saluenensis­ I. R.: I should say that this is extremely whatever it is, it is a very good seeder and interesting and generous information. Knowing that you have for years main­ was the only camellia I was able to get to tained a continuing program of hydribiza­ take T utcheria pollen. I have been unable tion, we shall await with great anticipa­ to get the large-leaved Pitardii to set tion report of the results from the many hand-pollinated seed, although it bears seedlings which will bloom for the first seed of its own accord. time this coming season. Many thanks. On the more pleasant side, I have, as -D. 1. F. 20 The Camellia Bulletin

WATERING CAMELLIAS (Cont. from Page 4) soil should be watered. Leaf burn and \":Te will summarize by saying that ev­ leaf wilt take place at the time of day eryone has different watering problems. when the plant's root system is hard­ Many of the difficulties can be simplified pressed to supply the leaves with moisture by applied analysis and reference to some fast enough to maintain the loss by leaf of our solutions. It is advisable to deep­ transpiration; this is the time for water water once or twice a week to keep the application to maintain the cell balance root zone properly moist. Also, during of turgidity .Leaves do not burn because water has been applied in mid-day sun. very hot weather. water frequently - at This often-seen statement has taken on very short intervals. Do all you can to the color of an old wives' tale, and is just promote garden humidity at the most as persistent. Water and humidity on the judicious time, since camellias are forest leaf will prevent burn. Plants in stress plants and they like a lush, humid atmos­ can absorb water through the leaf area phere as well as a moist root zone; the faster than from the root zone to the closer you approach this environmental leaf. These are proven facts. condition. the better your results.

NEWS & VIEWS (Cont. from Page 15) true, and this alone makes the practice chaff, and Park, of the San Francisco worthwhile. But there are other values. If group, while classified as figurative paint- a camellia plam is allowed to develop too ers, have reduced their figures to a few many blooms in any given year, the next simple brush strokes; in , year's blooms will be affected; they will Rothko, Franz Kline, and others have re- tend to be poorer in quality and fewer in duced their artistic expression to a few number, and in extreme cases will be non- strokes or simple masses, while Albers, of existent. Yale, has his complete "say" with three or four simple squares of colors. Abstraction, A discussion of the aesthetic values and the dominant trend for two decades ,itself' effects of individual camellia blooms can is a huge simplification of life (so much be endless and tiring, but one thing is so that it is usually a big puzzle). now clear: the contemporary art boom in This trend was bound to show up in this country indicates a trend toward the the matter of flower preferences. and in simple rather than the complex. There camellias has resulted in a marked up­ have been several nostalgic returns to the fussy complexities of Victorian days (of grading of the simple types. It shouldn't whkh "Art Nouveau" was a phase in the have been too much of a surprise, there­ two decades preceding WorId War 1) but fore. that, out of a hundred-odd seedling taday's trend is toward simplicity- fewer entries at this year's Sacramento show, a lines and fewer details. Diebenkorn, Bis- smallish single took first prize.

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