October hopefully is bringing a little cooler weather after the harsh summer. There are a few things that you can do to enjoy the upcoming Camellia season, which may have already started with the Sasanqua flowers!
Treat For Tea Scale & Mites
Cooler weather is the ideal time to get those pesky insects under control, the biggest being Tea Scale & Mites. We recommend using a horticultural oil or organic neem oil to treat for scale and mites.
Mulch
Adding a three-four inch layer of natural mulch will not only help your protect your camellias from cold weather, but as they break down they add nutrients back to the soil. Leaves, straw or bark is recommended – never rocks or rubber mulch which won’t help with adding nutrients.
Hydrate
As the time is approaching for cooler weather, our risk of freezing temperatures increase. Make sure your plants have the best protection by adequately hydrating your plants before a winter freeze. Freezing is a drying process, so giving your camellias a drink of water will help them get through the cold time much better.
Save Fertilizing For Spring
Keep the heavy fertilizers in the shed right now. If you didn't get your September feeding in, you can still use Holly-tone in October which is low in nitrogen and a low risk of winter injury. Roots keep growing all winter long even though the tops may be dormant. So giving them something to promote root growth is the only recommendation.
Enjoy the Show
The best thing about Camellias is that during fall and winter, they put on a show. Get out in the garden and watch them perform! You won’t be disappointed!