6 Disbudding camellias is a job for small hands, or so it was in the garden of my grandfather, where I learned my first horticulture lessons at a tender age. There’s a rolling sequence of flowering times according to the species or the many cultivated forms of camellias, and reducing an excess of buds helps deliver larger, stronger flowers. Disbudding was also an exercise in patience for this keen, budding gardener! One of the first camellias to arrive in Australia remains a healthy specimen as it reaches a grand age in the historic gardens of Macarthur Park, Camden, NSW. Commonly named the Waratah Camellia, Camellia japonica ‘Anemoniflora’ originated in China and was first grown in England in 1806, arriving at Camden Park in 1831 with a batch of Camellias imported by botanist William Macarthur, eldest son of pastoralist John Macarthur. Twenty years later, the plant catalogue of Guilfoyle’s Nursery at Double Bay in Sydney listed 134 species and cultivars of camellias, including the Waratah Camellia. The breeding of new varieties reached tens of thousands worldwide by 1993, with more than 500 originating from breeding in Australia. The popularity of Camellias varies from time to time, but their longevity, hardiness, and beautiful flowers make them suitable for most gardens or as potted plants. Positioning is an important consideration before selecting a Camellia for gardens or in pots. Sun-hardy Camellia sasanqua cultivars make excellent screens, and flowers make a delightful impact with flowering times spread across autumn, winter, and spring. Camellia japonica cultivars have glossy leaves and need a sheltered location away from intense sunlight. Camellias prefer acid soils, with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 6.5 and as low as pH 5.0 for japonicas. All need excellent drainage, adequate moisture, and well-composted soil. As for disbudding, it is not difficult but needs care and only where there are excessive numbers of multiple flower buds. With a gentle twist, the extras will be removed. Perhaps a great opportunity to see camellias and other plant favourites in bloom is a visit to Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, and to Springtime on the Mountain Open Garden Trail. This year Open Garden Trail runs for 3 days, commencing Friday 26th September (daily 10am - 4pm). Details and tickets – www.tamborinemountaingardenclub.org.au Gardening by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant Waratah Camellia Dainty Pink Camellia 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care GARDEN CLEANUPS / REJUVENATION & MAKEOVERS A SPECIALTY We offer an experienced, professional and reliable service Call Jeremy on ... Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Let us create your new and rejuvenated garden where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings ... Specialising Garden Makeovers & Rejuvenation * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping
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