The Beauty Of A Flower – The Romantic Camellias
No flower, perhaps, has played so important a role in the romantic arts as the camellia. It is no wonder then that it was cherished during the most romantic period the world has ever known – the antebellum days. At that time in the Old South, camellias were planted as free-standing specimens, somewhat toward the back of the front yard and close by the verandah or gallery.
It is curious, therefore, from that point of view, that this most romantic of shrubs should suit today’s landscape schemes so well. Of course, what renders it dear to us now is something else. It is its restraint and sculptured form, neat almost geometric contours. Besides, it is a beautiful shrub with handsome glossy leaves and lovely flowers which bloom at that time of year when blossoms are few. Then, its dense growth, fine texture, long life are in its favor as are its tolerance of shade and amenability to clipping.
Modern houses have little need of foundation plantings. A specimen to accent architectural detail, a plant or two for surface decoration and a few fillers to make a pleasant transition between house and land, are usually adequate for the public areas. Few plants are used making it imperative that those selected are chosen and placed with great care.
Accent Plantings
Of first importance are the plants next to the main doorway. Here, the compact growth and lustrous foliage of camellias can be used to full advantage. Where a pillar-type is wanted. If, because of the architecture, a dwarf, globular form may be needed or should be considered. For a heavy mass at the corner of the house, there are upright Camellia varieties as well.
If there is an expanse of unbroken masonry, surface decoration can be provided by informal, spreading types like to old Lady Clare or Gigantea of the Japonica group and Mini-noyuki and Hinode-gumo of the Sasanqua varieties. A dramatic solution to the monotony of an uninteresting plane is an espalier of Camellia sasanqua. This, trained carefully to an exact pattern, can be strikingly effective. Espaliers may be procured from several specialty nurseries. Although Sasanquas are usually used in espaliers, Japonicas can also be trained to grow in fixed patterns if one begins with young plants.
When espaliers are used, no other plants should be placed too close to them lest they detract from the design’s measured beauty. Eaves, drip-lines are usually disregarded in the interest of a good composition and the shrubs are set about 18 to 24 inches from the wall.
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