Camellia sasanquas are an attractive feature in many autumn gardens. They are very versatile plants as they are tolerant of drier positions, requiring a minimum of water.
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Sasanqua camellias can be grown in positions that are more exposed to sun and wind. In spite of this tolerance for garden positions that may be more extreme, sasanqua camellias produce flowers that appear to be delightfully fragile in structure. They produce an abundance of flowers in a range of colours from white through pale and darker pinks to reds, with some varieties having multi-coloured flowers.
Sasanqua camellias differ in their flowering habit from the more well-known camellia japonica in that their flowers generally last for only a few days, whereas flowers on a camellia japonica bush can remain there for periods of up to a week. However, sasanqua camellias make up for this by producing many more flowers, so that the bush appears to be covered in blooms for an extended period.
As the flowers fall, they create a most attractive carpet of colour on the ground underneath the bush. The flowers assist in encouraging native birds, especially honey eaters, into the home garden as they enjoy the nectar produced in the blossoms.
As sasanqua camellias commence their flowering season, this is a good time to choose varieties that you might wish to include in your garden plantings.
Flower colour, structure, growth habit and size are all factors to be considered when choosing plant varieties. Sasanqua camellias are most adaptable and make ideal specimens for topiary subjects, particularly the popular “lollipop” form. They can also be grown as hedges, wind breaks and screens. Varieties that can be used as ground covers are also becoming available.
Because of the nature of their trunks, the removal of lower growth exposes an attractive pattern of shapes on more mature plants, especially if they have been grown along a fence. They respond very well to trimming with hedge clippers and, therefore, they are ideal for narrow garden beds such as those beside a driveway.
Orchid action
Cymbidium orchids should now be placed into a position of full sunshine as this will encourage the formation of good flower spikes during winter and spring.
Cymbidium orchids are the most common type of orchid seen in nurseries and garden centres later in the year. They produce strong, tall stems from the base of the bulbs and leaves. Individual flowers are produced alternately along the length of the stem. The colours of the blooms include shades of yellow, orange, red, green, pink and brown, as well as white.
Cymbidium orchids flower between April and October, with the same plant flowering at the same time each year. Cymbidiums require an overnight drop in temperature for the formation of flowers spikes.
This may be achieved by watering the plants in the early morning, or applying some ice to the plants. Flowers will last on the plant for between two and three months, although they will last for lengthy periods if picked and placed into a vase for indoor decoration.
If desired, the whole plant may be placed indoors during flowering, provided that the potting mix is kept moist. Soaking the pot in a bucket of water for 10 minutes, weekly, should ensure an adequate supply of moisture for pots that have been brought indoors.
However, it is important to return the pot to outdoor conditions once the flower spikes have died.
Cymbidium orchids produce three types of bulbs. The ‘lead’ bulbs have vigorous growth and produce large flower spikes. ‘Old’ bulbs have leaves that may produce flowers. ‘Back’ bulbs are without foliage but they store food.
Plants should be divided (broken up) when they have filled the pot as the plant will gradually become starved, producing less, if any, flowers. When the plant has been removed from the pot, the bulbs can be separated. New plants should ideally have a lead bulb and one or two back bulbs.
The back bulbs will provide the energy required for the new plant to grow well. Dead roots should be removed. The newly divided plants may be left in a cool, dry place to harden for a couple of days, provided the weather is not too hot. The new plants should be placed into an orchid or specialist cymbidium potting mix.
Healthy cymbidium orchids will have light green foliage with a small amount of yellowing. Dark green leaves may indicate that the plants are not receiving sufficient light. A sheltered position in a shade house, or under the eaves may be most suitable .
Collector’s fair
Gardeners who enjoy looking for, and finding some of the more unusual plants might consider a visit to the Collector’s Plant Fair. Australia’s largest plant fair is held at Hawkesbury Race Club, opposite the Richmond RAAF Base, on 9 and 10 April. Entry is $14 Saturday (8am – 4pm) and $12 Sunday (9am – 4pm), with discounts available for prepaid entry. Over 70 specialist nurseries display their stock, which covers a wide range of gardening interests.
Many rare and unusual plants will be available, including bulbs, perennials, shrubs, trees and seedlings. The Fair also features inspiring speakers, including; Tracey Deep, Jane Irwin, Myles Baldwin, Cheryl Boyd and Wendy Whiteley (who will talk about the garden she has created at Lavender Bay). Extra charges apply for Speaker sessions.
