Camellias: Encyclopedia Review
Ornamental Evergreen Shrubs Described by Jennifer Trehane
Jan 7, 2008
A comprehensive collection of information for gardeners, breeders and growers alike about Camellias and their history, cultivar descriptions and methods of growing them has been published by Timber Press. Camellias: The Gardener's Encyclopedia by Jennifer Trehane is over 300 pages long and contains more than 800 plant photos to help gardeners identify their current Camellia shrubs and select new specimens to add to their gardens.
History of Camellias
Camellias were originally cultivated in China and Japan where they adorned lavish gardens and were used as a tea. Trehane discusses the origins of the Camellia shrub but then follows it through its cultivation in other countries as well, as the shrub became popular in Great Britain, Spain, Italy, France and so on. The historic details of Camellias she shares are fascinating.
Species of Camellias
Trehane shares intimate knowledge of the various Camellia species and describes each one briefly for gardeners, including suitability for home garden situations. There is not a consensus on the exact classifications of many Camellias but the author describes the situation clearly enough.
How to Grow Garden Camellias
In the next section of the book Trehane covers the cultivation of Camellia shrubs detailing the soil, fertilization, PH level, and other requirements of Camellias. Growing Camellias is not a difficult task in most gardens and with more hardy varieties being bred each year even gardeners with short growing seasons can enjoy the lovely flowers. Chapter 4 continues with practical tips about transplanting Camellias, how to prune them, and flower forms. Trehane also touches on possible uses for Camellias in the landscape such as espalliar, hedges, or tree forms. Chapter 6 specifically deals with growing Camellias in containers and even touches on using Camellias as Bonsai Form plants.
Bring on the Camellias!
Chapter 7 begins what is sure to be the favorite part of the book – the pictures and descriptions of Camellia varieties for the garden. Rather than covering all available Camellias, Trehane narrows the selections in Camellias: The Gardener's Encyclopedia to covering the over 600 best varieties for home landscape situations. Camellia sasanqua is discussed first with many of the most popular, and some new, cultivars. Camellia japonica is covered in the next chapter and over one hundred pages are devoted to the many beautiful hybrid plants available in this species. Trehane states that C. japonica is responsible for “more than 90 percent of the camellias in gardens worldwide”. Camellia reticulata is the next Camellia species examined and then the Williamsii hybrid Camellias get a chapter of their own as well. A final chapter of Camellias for gardens is presented leaving gardeners drooling over the possibilities.
Propagating, Showing and Keeping Camellias Healthy
For any gardener who wants to try breeding Camellias this is a must-read chapter. The book finishes with Trehane's troubleshooting information on diseases and pests of Camellias and this is where her decades of experience are so evident. Camellia shows and exhibitions are briefly discussed in the final chapter.
For any gardener interested in growing Camellias this book would be an invaluable asset. For any gardener who enjoys beautiful photos, this book will be a coffee table favorite.
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