Zenith Holland Gardens
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact / Map
  • Retail
  • Christmas
  • Wholesale
  • Classes
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Employment

Camellia Care

2/26/2018

0 Comments

 
About Camellias  Camellias are evergreen blooming shrubs categorized by bloom times. Sasanquas (Camellia sasanqua) bloom early to mid-season, Japonicas (Camellia japonica) from mid to late season, and Hybrids can be either. Plant a variety for blooms from November through June. (Blooming periods can vary for warmer or cooler locations.)
Early: October to December    Midseason:  January to March    Late:  April to May
Few camellias are “fast growers,” (they typically reach 6-12’ tall x wide in 10 to 15 years), the sasanqua varieties & some of the hybrids do grow more quickly than the japonicas. But, the flowers of the japonicas are longer lasting, so its a bit of a tradeoff. Your best way to decide which to plant as a hedge is to figure out conditions in summer & choose accordingly as sasanqua varieties can tolerate some sun. 
Garden Uses: Be sure to keep Camellias in viewing distance in patio beds, containers or decorating the foundation plantings around your house. They do great as an espalier to cover walls and fences. If set back in a woodland setting, plant in mass and complement with low growing perennials. A wonderful specimen as an addition in Asian gardens believed to bring wealth if planted at the entrance to your home, as are other red flowering plants.
Double Bloomed Camellias pair best with other formal garden classics such as Boxwood hedges, topiaries, as well as other broad-leaved evergreens. To stay true to its Asian heritage, plant with Azalea, Heavenly Bamboo, Japanese Maple, Ferns, Dogwood and Rhododendron. For those shady beds close to your outdoor patios, create a patriotic garden with this beautiful red Camellia by adding white and blue blooming plants such as Astilbe, Hydrangea, Flax Lily and Clematis.
Single Blooms-Plant close to your outdoor living area with Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Iris. In a more natural woodland setting, combine with the airy foliage of Bamboo, Heavenly Bamboo and Lily of the Valley. Early blooming deciduous trees like Cherry and Dogwood offer the needed filtered shade and ground hugging perennials such as Hosta, Coral Bells, and Helleborus offer interest and color throughout all layers of the garden.
Care Information: Provide well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Keep roots cool with a thick layer of mulch. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Full shade to partial sun, varies with variety. Prune to shape and feed with an acid fertilizer after flowering. Pruning time: early spring to early summer. Water regularly, when top 3 in. of soil is dry, some need more water requirements.
History: Camellias are native to eastern and southern Asia. C. japonica was imported into the Philippines but is native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The genus Camellia was named by Carolus Linnaeus who named it for a Jesuit missionary Georg Kamel, who cultivated an important garden of local medicinal plants on the Philippine Island of Luzon in the 17th century. Red camellias are a symbol of wealth and white Camellias signify loveliness. Camellias represent longevity and faithfulness and have long been a primary floral component in Asian weddings.
Christmas Camellias a.k.a. sasanqua varieties of Camellia are native to the coastal forests of southern Japan. Introduced by Dutch traders into Europe in 1869. The Japanese use the leaves of sasanqua to make tea & the seeds are pressed into tea seed oil for use as a lubricant and in cooking and cosmetics.

​The following are some of the Camellias we offer at Zenith: 
Bob Hope Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Bob Hope' USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10.  Large, deep red, semi-double flowers with yellow stamens and beautiful ruffled petals adorn glossy, dark green foliage. A prized camellia for milder regions. Mid-season bloomer. Evergreen. Moderate growing to 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide; larger with age. Filtered sun. Winter Bloomer. Introduced by Nuccio's Nurseries of Altadens, California in 1972. Its parentage is unknown. 
Debutante Camellia Camellia japonica 'Debutante' USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10. Abundant, large, light pink, peony-style blooms are a delightful contrast to the glossy, dark green leaves. Perfect for milder regions, and one of the earliest to bloom. Mass in foundation plantings or use as an accent in lightly shaded beds or patio containers. Evergreen. Slowly reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide; larger with age. Full shade to filtered sun. Blooms: Winter to Early Spring. Debutante was released in the early 1900's by Gerbings Azalea Nursery, its parentage is unknown. 
Kumasaka Camellia Camellia japonica 'Kumasaka' Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10 . Spectacular, bright, rose pink, double blooms are displayed against glossy, dark green foliage. Colorful accent for the shade. A prized plant for the milder regions of the U.S. Mid to late season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Moderate growing 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide, larger with age. Blooms: Winter through mid-spring. This old world variety dates back to 1695. It was exported to Europe two hundred years later in 1895.
Nuccio's Bella Rossa Camellia USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10.An abundance of formal, four-inch, crimson red blooms open slowly over a long period for an especially long bloom season. Even young plants show an extra heavy bud set. Looks right at home in Asian gardens when massed or as a specimen in a container. Glossy, dark green foliage makes this a prized plant for the milder regions. Evergreen. Reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and wide in 10 years; up to 20 ft. tall with age. Blooms: Late Winter to Mid-Spring Full shade to partial sun. With more than 100 new Camellia varieties to their credit, Nuccio's Nurseries in California introduced Nuccio's Bella Rossa in 2000.
Nuccio's Pearl Camellia Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Pearl' USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10.Spectacular, fully double blooms with pure white petals edged with an orchid pink blush. Flowers make a dazzling contrast against the glossy, dark green foliage. Adds an elegant, formal appearance to any garden. A mid-season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun. Slowly reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide; larger with age. Blooms in winter. Nuccio's Pearl was a chance seedling that originated at Nuccio's Nurseries in Altadena, California in 1973. 
Pearl Maxwell Camellia Camellia japonica 'Pearl Maxwell' USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10. Spectacular, soft, shell pink, formal double blooms in mid- to late winter. Flowers create a dazzling contrast against the glossy, dark green foliage. A prized plant of the milder regions of the U.S. Evergreen. Filtered sun. Moderate growing to 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide; larger with age. Blooms: Winter to Early Spring.
Swan Lake™ Camellia Camellia japonica 'Monke' USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10.Very large, snow white, semi-double, peony-like blooms contrast beautifully against the glossy, dark green foliage. Excellent as an evergreen specimen in a woodland garden, as a privacy screen, or in a container. Cut flowers are lovely floating in a bowl of water. A prized mid-to late season bloomer for milder regions. Filtered sun Moderate growing to 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide; larger with age. Blooms: Winter through Mid-Spring. Swan Lake was a seedling developed in the late 1950's and introduced by Monrovia in 1969.
Tom Knudsen Camellia Camellia japonica 'Tom Knudsen' USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10. Spectacular, dark red, formal blooms accented by deep red veining. The stunning early to mid-season flowers create a dazzling contrast to the glossy, dark green foliage. A prized plant for milder regions. A wonderful flowering evergreen for use in woodland borders, foundation plantings, or as a hedge plant. Filtered sun Moderate growing to 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide; slowly larger with age. Blooms: Fall through Winter. Tom Knudsen was a chance seedling found in 1956 by Frank Maitland of Sylmar, CA.
Apple Blossom Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Apple Blossom' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10 A versatile camellia displaying profuse pink-edged white blooms with yellow stamens. Dense, glossy dark green foliage makes a perfect hedge, screen or espalier specimen. Early to mid season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun, Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Moderate growing 10 ft. tall and wide. Apple Blossom was originally imported from the Yokohama Nursery Company to W. Wylams of California. 
Chansonette Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Chansonette' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. A versatile flowering shrub, displaying profuse, brilliant pink, double blooms and glossy dark green leaves with a short, pendulous habit. Flowers are perfect for cutting. An excellent choice for a colorful low hedge, espalier, or groundcover. A mid-season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun Moderate growing; reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall, 8 ft. wide. Chansonette is a seedling of Shishi Gashira originated by Marjorie Washburne of Port Arthur, TX. 
Kanjiro Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Kanjiro' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. A truly stunning cerise pink semi-double bloom edged in red with golden stamens and a slight fragrance. Truly outstanding cut flower. Dense semi-weeping habit and glossy, dark green foliage produces an exceptional evergreen for foundation planting and backgrounds. A mid-season bloomer. Filtered sun Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall and wide. Blooms: Fall through Winter. Kanjiro originated in Japan in 1954 of unknown parentage.
Marge Miller™ Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Marge Miller' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. This Australian introduction is the first prostrate camellia in the world, a natural for groundcover, or spilling over walls and out of hanging baskets, and often trained trained into cascading upright forms. Full, soft pink early season blooms are backed by glossy deep green foliage. Evergreen. Filtered sun Reaches 1 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide; to 4 ft. tall when staked into upright form. Blooms: Fall through Winter
Pink-A-Boo® Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Mondel' Plant USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. Perfect for adding color to the winter garden, Pink-A-Boo Camellia offers wonderfully fragrant, deep pink blooms centered with bright yellow stamens. The long lasting flowers are stunning in in floral arrangements or floated in a shallow bowl so that the fragrance can be enjoyed indoors. An excellent choice for a colorful evergreen hedge, espalier, or border shrub. Presented by Nicholas Staddon of Monrovia. This stunning sport from the extremely popular red Yuletide Camellia has large, wonderfully fragrant, deep pink blooms with bright yellow stamens - making a beautiful addition to the cool season garden. Filtered sun Reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall and wide in 12 years; larger with age. Blooms in winter.
Setsugekka Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. Large, perfectly formed, semi-double, white flowers with ruffled edges and a bright center of golden stamens. The dense, semi-weeping habit and glossy, dark green foliage create an exceptional evergreen foundation planting or espalier. A mid-season bloomer. Filtered sun Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall and wide. Blooms: Fall through Winter Setsugekka originated in Japan by Jisuke Minagawa. 
Shishi Gashira Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Shishi Gashira' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. A profusion of hot pink, semi-double blooms with golden yellow centers and glossy, dark green foliage. Flowers are perfect for cutting. Use as a colorful low hedge, espalier or high profile groundcover. An early to mid-season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun. Moderate growing; reaches 4 to 5 ft. tall, 6 to 8 ft. wide. Blooms: Fall through Winter. Shishi Gashira originated in Ikeda City, Japan.
Yuletide Camellia Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. Single, brilliant red blooms centered with bright yellow stamens make an elegant statement in the winter garden. The glossy, dark green foliage creates a handsome natural hedge, foundation shrub or espalier specimen. A mid-season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall & wide. Blooms: Fall through Winter. Yuletide is a chance seedling of Kanjiro and originated at Nuccio's Nurseries in Altadena, CA.
Buttermint Camellia Camellia x 'Buttermint' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. Beautiful, pale, buttery yellow, semi-double blooms adorn this mid-to late season bloomer. Its glossy, dark green leaves and lightly fragrant, ruffled flowers are plentiful enough to cut and bring indoors. This showy evergreen is perfect for brightening up a shady woodland garden. Filtered sun Quickly reaches 6 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide. Blooms: Winter to Early Spring Buttermint is a hybrid of C. kissi which is native to India, Nepal, Burma and Southern China and originated at Nuccio's Nurseries in Altadena, CA. 
Fairy Blush Camellia Camellia x 'Fairy Blush' USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10. Deep pink buds open to reveal dainty, single, apple blossom colored blooms. The delicate fragrance of the blooms as well as the plant's smaller growth habit make this an ideal camellia for a small courtyard or patio. A mid- to late season bloomer. Evergreen. Filtered sun. Moderate growing; reaches 4 to 5 ft. tall and wide. Blooms in winter. Fairy Blush' is a hybrid of C. lutchuensis, originated by M.C. Jury of Jury Nursery, North Taranaki, New Zealand.
*information Monrovia.com
0 Comments

How to Plant A Tree or Shrub

2/19/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
  In order to get your plants established in your yard, they need to be planted properly! Here are some guidelines to help. This applies to both trees and shrubs, single or multiple stemmed.
Plants come in three main forms-
1. Bare Root – without soil, usually late winter & early spring only 
2. B&B- Balled & Burlapped- root ball wrapped & tied, often sold with a pot and soil 
3. Planted Inside a Pot-Most Common-planted & rooted inside a pot with soil

Here are some tips to consider before you plant:
  • Plant when the ground is workable (not frozen) and avoid extreme temperatures.
  • Maintain hydration, Mulch Roots and Stake if needed. 
  • Know what you are planting- Type, Sun Exposure, Moisture Requirements and Size / Spacing- so you can plan where, when and how to plant, whether in the ground or in a container. Sometimes it is advantageous to plant in a container first, allowing plant to root out and grow for a period of time, then plant into the ground later.
  • Call Before You Dig- avoid Utility Lines, Above and Under Ground. www.callbeforeyoudig.org/washington call 811 or 1-800-424-5555
​
What You Need to plant Your Tree or Shrub is optional, but here is a list that may help you:
  • Shovel & Pick Axe (optional)
  • Planting Compost or other Soil Amendment
  • G&B Starter Organic Fertilizer
  • Gloves & optional Safety- Eye Protection, Garden Clothes  
  • Water from the Hose or can with water
  • Stakes, Cushion & Tree Ties (optional)
  • Your Plants!
Follow these directions:
1.  Dig a Hole as Deep as the Roots / Root Ball is Tall, and Twice as Wide. If you did deeper than that, the roots can sink, causing the plant to be too deep covering the crown, apex or trunk or grafted junction.  If you don’t dig twice as wide, the plant may be stunted or make it harder to grow laterally.*See below-Drainage
2.  Place Plants Roots into Hole. If Bare Root: Make a Mound with Soil, Fan Roots Symmetrically on Mound. B&B: Cut Twine/Rope, Leave Burlap Attached, Add Root Ball into Hole. Potted: Take Plant out of Pot, Loosen Roots,  Add Root Ball into Hole. Make Sure Plant is Upright & Straight, not leaning or crooked.  
3. Add G&B Starter Fertilizer (see directions or use approximately ½ cup per 1’ of plant height) with 1/2 Organic Planting Compost or other Soil Amendment and ½ Native Soil. Mix Well, add more soil if needed. Don’t cover the crown, graft junction or trunk apex.
4. Tamp Soil, Add Mulch or Top Dress with Compost. Water in well. Make sure plant is firmly in the ground and it is visually appropriate. Add Stake Supports if desired: Add a stake on each side. Use tree ties and protect trunk with a cushion or hose. Remove stakes in a year or so, check to make sure they do not dig into trunk.  
 
 *If you want to check the holes Drainage, then do this test before you plant. Dig your hole, then fill it with water. Allow to drain. Then fill it again with water. Check the hole 8 hours later. If there is no water, then the drainage should be adequate. If there is water standing then the drainage is not good. At this point, make a decision if this is the best spot for your plant.  So plant it in your hole, choose another area or choose a different plant that can take these conditions.

1 Comment

Fruit Tree Care

2/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
You don’t have to have an Orchard to grow Fruit Trees! Organically grown Fruit Trees taste amazing and give you the option of vertically growing food for yourself, family & for a cause- community gardens, food bank or wildlife / pets. All you have to do is decide which trees you want to grow that best suits your climate and if you want to grow in a pot or in the ground.


What You Need- Trees- They come - Single Varieties or Combinations and Bare Root or Potted in Soil  
-Single Varieties or Combinations- Single Varieties- means it is one type of fruit on one tree. These may be Self Fertile (only need one tree to get fruit) or Requires a Pollinator (needs another type of the same fruit, one that is known as a pollinator, in order to get fruit). Combination Trees- Trees that have Multiple Varieties grafted onto it- so it pollinates itself, only one tree needed.
​
-Bare Root or Potted. Trees are often only available as “Bare Root” in late winter and early spring. You can save money getting trees this way. They need to be planted right away before they start to leaf out.  Often at any time of the year, you find trees planted in pots with soil. These trees can be planted almost anytime of the year and tend to be more expensive than bare root trees.

  • Select Your Trees and Plant 10-15’ or more from each other, depending upon your selections.
  • Plant in the Ground or in Pots. Refer to How to Plant a Tree Blog. Fruit Trees Like Good Drainage, Rich Organic Soil in Full Sun.
  • Use Organic Fertilizers and Soil Amendments. We like G&B! Use at time of planting, and every month during growing seasonal ( follow directions on package) Mulch Spring and Fall to conserve moisture and protect roots from drought, wind and temperature extremes.
  • Mason Bees Pollinate Fruit. Add Houses and /or Mason Bee Larvae. Native bees will also help.
  • Dormant Spray with Horticultural Oil in Winter to help prevent pests and disease. Use Beneficial Insects and Organic Pesticide Methods.
  • Prune in Late Winter, Early Spring depending upon your climate. Use Clean tools & Avoid pruning off fruiting Spurs! Train young trees for good branching structure. Hire a professional when needed, before they get out of hand.
  • Enjoy your late Summer to Fall Fruit! 
Apples & Pears: Need 2 separate Varieties or Combination Tree
Peaches, Apricots, Nectarines & Citrus: Most are Self Fertile- Only One Tree Needed, but more does increase fruit production. Citrus are not winter hardy.
Cherries: Need 2 separate Varieties or Combination Tree. A few are self-fertile.
Plums: Many are Self-Fertile or Combination Tree.
Nuts: Most need either a male and female or another variety to pollinate for nuts. Most nuts do not do well in the PNW- Filberts/Hazelnuts are the exception.

0 Comments

Colorful Conifers

2/1/2018

1 Comment

 
​Slow-growing, dwarf conifers come in an array of colors, shapes & diverse textures that are not only beautiful, but are durable, tough & easy to grow. They need little care with most being cold hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Most dwarf conifers grow so slowly that, with appropriate care, they can thrive for years before outgrowing their spaces. Add seasonal flowers, ground covers, succulents & grasses to change the scene during the year & to complement the structure of the conifers.
Caring for dwarf Conifers in Containers- Contained conifers do best in a moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Submerge your plant’s root ball in water to eliminate air bubbles, and then gently remove the plant from container without damaging roots. Plant the conifer carefully in a container at the same depth it has been growing. In containers, conifers need a regular watering schedule and protection from winter cold extremes. Water regularly throughout the year, pay special attention to months of active growth and dry weather, even in winter.
Hole and soil preparation- Dig the planting hole a minimum of twice the width of the root ball but no deeper. The depth of the hole should allow solid ground below the root mass resulting in the root flare at the top of the root mass to be slightly higher than the finish grade of the planting. The soil must have good drainage. Amend the soil that is removed from the hole with mulch, compost or good potting soil at a ratio of 1 shovel full of mulch to 3 of soil; blend well. This is especially important when it is clay soil.
Container grown-Before planting, carefully loosen the roots all around the root ball.  Place plant in the prepared hole being sure the root flare is slightly above ground. Begin filling in around the plant with the amended soil. Water well before the hole is filled to remove air pockets then water again when the planting is complete. Apply no more than 2″ of mulch on top of the root ball being sure it does not touch the bark of the plant.
Watering- Do not allow your plant to dry out. Adjust your watering to climate. During dry or summer weather, water deeply 1-2 times a week, slowly soaking the area around the plant to a depth of 4″. Do not over water. If the soil is wet, do not add water. It can be beneficial to contain water by creating a slight “well” around the plant so the water can’t run off. Once the plant is established or prior to heavy rains return soil around plant to natural grade so the plant does not drown in a mini pond.
Fertilizing- If you desire to fertilize, make sure to use an organic acid-lovers like G&B Acid Fertilizer and G&B Planting Compost or Acid Planting Mix insuring protection for tender new root growth. In the spring of the following season add fertilizer for mature plants. Never allow fertilizer to contact plant foliage as it may burn the plant and cause severe dieback. www.iselinursery.com/conifers-in-containers/
1 Comment

    Author

    Kerri Bailey

    Archives

    November 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017

    Categories

    All
    Blooming Shrubs
    Conifers
    Container Gardening
    Edible Gardens
    Evergreen Perennials
    Fall Color
    Garden Themes
    Indoor Gardening
    Kids Projects
    Monthly Garden Tasks
    Seed Starting
    Valentines Day

    RSS Feed