When does camellia bloom? Transferring camellias into a larger pot video. Growing camellias in a pot and caring for them at home

Home care, which seems extremely difficult to many beginners, is incredibly beautiful. Its magnificence is worth a little trouble with rooting cuttings. If you want to go further the easy way- grown indoor camellia, which is much easier to care for, is sold in almost every flower shop. Let's find out more about this beautiful and

Camellia: home care, prejudices

An insulated balcony would be an ideal place for a flower. With the help of camellias it can be turned into a real greenhouse. All you need is a little experience, patience and good knowledge annual cycle of this plant. Under no circumstances should you water, replant and feed it the same way as your other green pets. The current opinion about the “capriciousness” of this plant and its unsuitability for growing indoors is based precisely on the characteristics of the camellia’s annual cycle. What are the differences? Let's start in order, with the fact that you purchased the flower. Camellia, the care of which requires thoughtfulness, is not always sold in optimal form. In stores, not all sellers are able to give adequate advice on growing it. You can often hear from them that the camellia should not be rotated to avoid the buds falling off. And that flowering will occur exclusively in a cold room, so the plant supposedly does not need to be kept warm.

Both of these judgments are prejudices and can lead you to disappointment. If you have a camellia blooming on your windowsill, caring for it at home does not exclude the possibility of rotating it, as well as raising the air temperature in the room to twenty. An indispensable condition for proper cultivation is maintaining humidity. Camellia should be placed in the shower or sprayed several times a week. Regular tap water is also suitable for this, as long as it is not overly chlorinated. You need to water it exclusively with boiled water, adding a few drops of citric acid to soften it.

Camellia care at home: replanting, feeding

The root system of this plant has a number of unique features. One of which is that the flower is dormant for most of the year. During active growth transplantation is contraindicated.

But during flowering you can do this. After all, then it does not grow, but only functions mechanically, delivering moisture from the roots to the buds and leaves. But under no circumstances should you feed camellia while the flowers are forming. This period covers the period from early summer to spring. To prepare the soil, you need to take soil with an acidic environment, sufficiently loose and nutritious, add humus. Can be used ready mixture or compose it yourself. In the latter case, you will need soil from under the spruce in combination with humus, turf and sifted brick chips. You can replant up to three times during the year. Feed during the period of active growth. Approximately once every six weeks. The first feeding is a complex composition with a high nitrogen content. You can use the mixture for azaleas and rhododendrons.

Distributed in the southern tropics from Japan to the Philippines, camellia rules the evergreen forests in the southern regions of Russia. Gorgeous and sophisticated, you can't help but like her. Its flowers, vaguely reminiscent of roses, amaze the imagination with their regal beauty. Camellia is a very demanding crop to grow. summer cottage Some knowledge will be required, but being responsive to care and feeding, the princess will reward you with a long festive fireworks of flowers. Giving a luxurious garden needs care and maintenance.

Evergreen camellia: description

The genus Camellia of the tea family has up to 80 species, which are either trees. The decoration of the shrub is leaves - glossy, leathery, oval, pointed, single or fused at the base, as well as flowers of all shades of white-pink-lilac. Many species are widespread due to their high decorative qualities. Bush garden camellia blooms in winter time when the thermometer readings do not exceed 12°C. The duration of flowering of the bush is also surprising. It ranges from 1 to 3 months. Each flower can not fade for about a month. This amazing plant appears at the ends of shoots in winter. The blooming garden camellia, the photo of which is presented, is a festive and solemn spectacle. It is capable of radically changing any, even the most dull and unpromising area. That is why landscape designers place camellia on a high pedestal. These magnificent shrubs are invaluable in landscaping interiors, creating parks and garden compositions. The most interesting object in creating landscape masterpieces is considered to be a garden - or shrub, reaching 10-15 m in height, common in the subtropical forests of Japan and China. A distinctive feature of Japanese camellia is the presence of large red single flowers located in the axils and on the tops of the branches. Flowering is spectacular and long lasting. There are up to 1000 different garden forms and varieties in cultivation with a wide variety of double and semi-double flowers with a diameter of 4 to 15 cm. Japanese camellia is light-loving, but also tolerates slight shading.

Garden camellia: planting and care

The easiest way to propagate camellia is by seeds. Freshly harvested seeds are usually sown, the germination rate of which is 80-90%. They are not stored, as they quickly lose their ability to germinate. The ideal soil for sowing is a mixture of river sand and peat in equal proportions. To speed up seed germination, the air in the room where the seedlings are grown is heated to +22°C. Seedlings germinate and take root throughout the year. It should be remembered that the resulting young seedlings are characterized by a low level of resistance to adverse influences, however, with quality care they develop intensively, increasing the degree of winter hardiness that garden camellia is characterized by. Care and cultivation ends with flowering, which usually occurs in the fifth to seventh year, sometimes after 2-3 years.

Propagation by cuttings

The vegetative method is more suitable for propagating varietal camellias - apical cuttings, for which shoots of the current year with two or three internodes with developed axillary and apical buds are selected. The size of the cuttings is purely individual, ranging from 3 to 12 cm and depending on the camellia variety. They are cut in July or August. A maximum oblique cut is made from the bottom of the cutting under the axillary bud, and the bottom leaf is also cut off. To increase the likelihood of rooting, the cuttings are placed in a solution of stimulants for 5 - 7 hours and planted in clean river sand, covered with glass or film. An important condition for rooting is maintaining constant temperature around 23-27°C. Rooting takes quite a long time - up to one and a half to two months. Treatment with a stimulant significantly increases the speed of rooting and forms a powerful root system of the plant.

Preparing the soil for planting in a permanent place

Garden bush camellia is a lover of acidic soils. Fertile and permeable soils are especially suitable for planting this shrub. When planting, it is important to remember: camellias should not be buried too deep; its root collar should be flush with the ground. Once a year the bush requires feeding. The best fertilizer for camellias it is considered organic. At the end of summer, when the plant begins to form buds for flowering next year, camellia is fertilized with humus and chicken droppings. There is no need to feed the bush later, as the buds may fall off. A necessary condition good development plants are mulched with leaf humus, grass, crushed bark or wood chips, i.e., everything that ensures the preservation of soil acidity and moisture at the roots. When mulching, it must be left open. root collar, because otherwise the camellia may rot.

Watering

Good development, which is a consequence of proper cultivation, will be appreciated by camellia garden. Planting and care, as well as proper watering, contribute to
rapid plant growth. Regular watering should be provided in all seasons. In summer, water more generously, taking into account weather conditions and planting location. If the summer is hot and dry, it is necessary to spray the bushes. In cool winter, watering is more careful and infrequent.

Camellia care

Camellias grow well in humid and temperate climates. They are quite winter-hardy and can withstand frosts down to -20°C, prefer shade, and in areas with dry, hot summers - a shady location. Camellias especially like to be located next to a fence, wall or other taller crop, i.e., a support that protects from winds and bright sun. The flowering time of the plant is unusual: autumn - winter - early spring. These are the biological characteristics of this genus: for the formation of high-quality buds and flowering of the shrub, short daylight hours and coolness are required. Comfortable air temperature for laying flower buds 18-20°C, for flowering - 8-12°C. Camellias love diffused light, but not direct bright sunlight. Flowering representatives of the tea family are not afraid of night frosts, but when the flowers quickly thaw in the morning sun, they lose their appearance and die. Therefore, camellias are usually not planted on eastern slopes.

Trimming

The camellia crown is formed in the spring by pinching the tops of the shoots. This is done so that the garden camellia can branch better. Landing is not a complex operation. At the end of autumn, pruning of shoots is necessary to stimulate the growth of axillary buds. By repeating this operation annually, you can achieve excellent decorativeness and flowering of the bush.

Pests and diseases

Unfortunately, pests and diseases do not bypass camellias. It is often affected by fungi, aphids and scale insects. Fungal diseases are manifested by the appearance of gray and black spots on the leaves and brown spots on the flowers. A diseased plant cannot be restored, so it is better to remove it and burn it.

Garden camellia, which is amazing in its beauty and long-lasting flowering, gives incredible joy. Planting and caring for this crop is not as burdensome as it is written in many publications, but it is impossible to contain your emotions when looking at the regal decoration of a magnificent tree.

Walking past a well-kept garden, you can’t help but catch your eye on some bright flower. And as a rule, an idea arises, maybe it’s worth planting flowers at home? Plants are a convenient addition to the interior. If the morning starts with good feelings, then the day goes by more cheerfully. Planting a garden is a favorite pastime for many, which brings positive feelings not only to loved ones but also to all passers-by.

Growing conditions and care for camellia

Camellia and care at home... We have an opinion that when a camellia blooms, it cannot be moved from place to place or turned, otherwise its buds will fall off. In the West, they think the opposite: when camellias bloom, various operations can be done with them - replanting, cutting off overgrown roots, transporting, etc. At the same time, the camellia will calmly continue to bloom.

Probably, the plant drops its buds due to improper maintenance of them. room conditions. Batteries central heating dry the soil in conditions that are abnormal for camellia winter conditions. These mistakes can be avoided if you know the needs of the plants.

In general, camellia is considered capricious and picky about lighting, temperature and air humidity. Hobbyists will need a lot of patience and a caring attitude. The lighting should be bright and bright, but the camellia must be protected from direct sunlight. Water in spring and summer abundantly with settled soft water at room temperature; in winter, watering is reduced. Indoor camellia for good growth

After purchasing, you need to place the camellia flower in a cool, semi-shaded place, and two weeks later transfer it to a warmer place, but the temperature should not exceed 16 degrees. To successfully grow camellias, it is necessary to provide them with a cool winter. In summer they are kept at room temperature, and in winter within 10-15 degrees.

In summer, during relative dormancy, it is better to bury the camellia along with the pot in the garden in a semi-shaded place. If this is not possible, then in the room she needs to create favorable condition: regular ventilation, high humidity air. It is useful to spray until the indoor camellia plant begins to form buds. After the buds are laid, watering is reduced.

To ensure that the plant does not become depleted and the camellia flowers are larger, the weakest buds are removed by pinching, leaving 1-2 buds on the branch. When flowering ends and young shoots appear, you should feed with mineral fertilizers for indoor flowering plants in half the concentration indicated on the package, until the next season, when the plant enters the budding stage.

Overfertilizing camellias is one of the biggest mistakes. Camellias need to start fertilizing in the spring, during the first burst of active growth in April. They should not be fertilized in the fall, especially if you choose to grow hardy varieties in a cold climate. Fertilizers can provoke late growth of camellias, as a result of which their green, immature shoots can be seriously damaged in winter - along with the entire plant that is not “asleep” enough.

To give the plant more attractive appearance, it is pruned, removing weak bare shoots. But do this only if absolutely necessary, since camellia is painful to pruning.

Many camellia owners make mistakes related to deep planting and incorrect soil mixture. The neck of a camellia (the point between the roots and the trunk) should never be covered with soil. Planting camellias even 3 centimeters deeper is a sure way to kill the plant. Transplanting camellias during a period of active growth is a mistake, as they can stop growing and become in poor condition.

Young camellia plants are replanted annually, better in summer, and adults after 2-3 years. The soil should be well fertilized, moderately acidic. For indoor camellia, it is better to purchase a ready-made mixture. There are special mixtures for acidic soil plants (camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons), which are prepared from high peat, perlite, vermiculite, sand, ground bark and similar ingredients. In such a mixture, the camellia roots will always be evenly moistened, the water will not stagnate and the roots will be able to breathe air.

Some varieties of camellias can withstand -10 degrees below zero. Therefore, if you have a ventilated glass balcony, where in winter the temperature ranges from 0 to +15 degrees (ideally from +5 to +10 degrees) and never drops below -10 degrees below zero - then camellia is for you.

Camellia is adapted to light frosts in their natural conditions. In winter the bushes are protected by snow. As soon as the snow melts, the camellia simply explodes with fire of numerous colors. In France and England, camellias can grow in open ground. Apparently, this can be done in the southern regions of Russia.

Camellia is propagated in August using apical cuttings of the current year's growth. Root in sand, preferably under glass or film at a temperature of 20-25 degrees, more reliably in mini-greenhouses with bottom heating. For successful rooting, growth stimulants are used.

If camellia is sick

This can happen by various reasons. Too much warm place in the house, too frequent or infrequent watering leads to the plant’s buds falling off. Camellia reacts to too wet soil in a pot by forming crusty growths on the leaves. White felt coating on stems and in leaf axils is a symptom of mealybug damage. They suck out juices and release substances that poison the plant. Remove pests using a toothpick or cosmetic stick dipped in soapy water. If black spots appear on the plant, similar to a coating of soot, then it is damaged by sooty fungi, which appear on the secretions of aphids, scale insects and mealybugs. Rinse off the black deposits with water at room temperature. If the leaves are significantly affected by sooty fungus, it is better to tear them off.

Houseplants

How to care for camellia at home?

Of blood and dry ice

From petals and leaves of wax,

The camellia was blooming in the garden,

No smell, and no shine.

Yes, this is what camellia looks like: meter tall, solemnly proud, luxurious, royal cold flower, a native of Southeast Asia. Its shiny, laurel-like leaves are amazing. But even more striking are the pink, red or variegated flowers, the diameter of which reaches 14 cm. It is not for nothing that the camellia is called the princess of the East. It decorates the flower beds and flower beds of many Black Sea cities, and in more northern regions it can only be seen in greenhouses. If you liked this one amazing flower gardener, you can grow it at home if you show maximum patience and care for the plant.

Camellia grown indoors can bloom even in the winter months. And it blooms for an unusually long time, sometimes it lasts for several months, and cut flowers can remain fresh for two to three weeks.

Camellia care instructions

Many gardeners give up at the very beginning, having learned that not everyone succeeds in growing camellias. Yes, this is true, but, as a rule, the cause of failure is insufficient humidity air or incorrectly selected soil composition. These errors will not occur if you carefully read the instructions for caring for camellia.

Camellia loves bright and diffused light. This can be ensured by placing the plant in a western or east window. If there are none in the apartment, you can use a window on south side, but, if possible, protect it from direct sunlight. The north side is not at all suitable for camellia, which loves sunlight. Be sure to periodically change the position of the flower so that all its sides are illuminated. If this is not done, the crown will develop unevenly. However, during flowering this rule does not apply: the plant must be left alone so that the flowers and leaves do not fall off.

The most optimal is from 20 to 25 degrees. But when flower buds set, the temperature can be lowered. The plant begins to bloom in February. At this time, the thermometer should reach approximately 12 degrees. If the room is hot, some of the buds will fall off, and those that do bloom will not amaze with their beauty and splendor.

Camellia needs fresh air. Therefore, in the summer, from time to time you need to briefly place the plant on the loggia. But it is necessary to ensure that the flower is protected from direct sunlight.

IN summer months it should be abundant and uniform. Watering should be done after the top layer of soil becomes completely dry. In winter, the higher the room temperature, the more often the plant needs watering. If the room is cool enough, frequent watering will cause acidification of the soil, which will lead to shedding of buds. Do not water the plant with water freshly drawn from the tap. It should settle, become soft, freed from excess calcium content. A flowering plant should be watered with extreme caution so that water does not get on the petals.

Camellia re-blooming

It can be achieved in the second year. To do this, several conditions must be met.

1. Periodically feed the plant with special mixtures that are intended for azaleas and camellias. By July, at least two such feedings need to be done.
2. From July until spring, fertilizing is not recommended. In order for the flowering to be lush and lush, at the end of summer the camellia is treated with special means.
3. From October until the camellia stops flowering, you need to take care of good lighting so that the plant does not drop its buds.
4. After flowering, watering is gradually reduced, but the soil should always be moist.

As for pruning camellias, this is done at the discretion of the gardener himself. Camellia has the property of self-forming. But it also tolerates pruning well, without signs of wilting.

Thus, anyone who dreams of having their apartment decorated with camellia flowers can achieve this if they care for the plant with joy and patience.

Camellia - how to care for a luxurious flower in your home (photo, video)

Among indoor plants, camellia stands out for its unusually beautiful flowers. Graceful buds are set off by dark green glossy leaves. The flower looks very impressive. The popularity of the plant was also ensured by the fact that camellia feels excellent at home. Simple care is enough for her to delight with her flowering at any time of the year.

Camellia – evergreen, belonging to the tea family. Its difference is a dense, shiny crown of leaves. Camellia can be grown at home or in open ground. It can decorate a window with bright buds or add charm to the garden.

Proper care of the plant

Like any other indoor plant, camellia requires attention. Maintenance is not burdensome. The main thing is to follow these rules:

1. Provide the plant with diffused light. At home, it is recommended to place camellia on windows facing west or east. To avoid one-sided growth, it is necessary to rotate the pot.
2. The flower should not be disturbed while the buds are forming.
3. The optimal summer temperature is + 25˚С, winter - 20˚С.
4. Dry air is harmful to camellias. To prevent the death of the plant due to dry air, it is necessary to place it in a tray with expanded clay. You can periodically spray it with a spray bottle.
5. Avoid direct sunlight.

Proper care of camellia includes optimal watering. When budding and flowering occur, the plant needs plenty of moisture. When the top layer of soil in the pot dries out, the flower should be watered. In winter, watering is reduced to prevent soil acidification.

Watering and spraying are performed with settled water. It must be remembered that flowers do not need overhead watering.

The plant requires special care when buds appear on it. It is better to move it to a room where the temperature is maintained at no more than 12 degrees. If this is not done, the flowers will have a dull color and quickly fall off. The photo shows how pale these buds look.

Features of camellia transplantation

Planting at home cannot be called particularly difficult, but there are subtleties in this matter.

You should pour oxidized soil diluted with humus into the pot. Then it is well moisturized. It is necessary to take care of the moisture permeability of the soil so that watering does not cause rotting of the root system.

If you are replanting, you do not need to place the flower too deeply in the ground. The root system should be located at soil level. Home cultivation The flower will not be successful if calcareous soil or saline soil is used. Land can be purchased at a flower shop or collected from a coniferous forest.

If at home the plant constantly drops buds, then the soil is oversaturated with calcium. The situation will be corrected by transplanting into good soil and competent care.

With increased acidity of the soil, the leaves begin to turn yellow. In this case, replacing the soil mixture also helps.

How to propagate camellias?

Reproduction is carried out in two main ways:

• cuttings;
• planting seeds.

The first method of breeding at home allows you to acquire adult plants capable of flowering within two years. Reproduction is carried out using semi-lignified shoots. This operation should be carried out in late spring - early summer.

When the shoot turns colors Brown color, then it is suitable for cuttings. The growth bud should be well developed. In order not to make a mistake in choosing a shoot, you can look at the photo of planting material.

Rooting usually occurs quickly (no longer than 4 months). The soil for replanting should be fertilized. It is necessary to ensure optimal temperature air and soil - 23 degrees.

If this indicator is exceeded, bud growth will begin, and root system will not have time to form.

If propagation is carried out by seeds, then flowers will appear only after 5-8 years. The seeds ripen by mid-autumn. They are collected and planted. To make the germination process more successful, it is necessary to provide partial darkening. The soil composition should include peat and sand. Reproduction is carried out at a temperature of 22 degrees. Growing camellias from seeds is more difficult than from cuttings, but it allows you to obtain strong, healthy seedlings.

If propagation is being carried out for the first time, then it is better to study the intricacies of this process on a special video from experienced florists.

How to prevent and cure camellia diseases?

Indoor camellia, like garden camellia, is susceptible various diseases. Often their occurrence is caused by improper care. Symptoms of various diseases can be seen in the photo.

Fungal diseases are easy to identify. They manifest themselves in the appearance of gray and black spots on the leaves. The flower is covered with brownish spots. If the damage is massive, the foliage may completely fall off. Such diseases are treated with special fungicidal drugs.

To prevent the infection from spreading to other flowers grown at home, it is better to part with the diseased camellia.

Camellia can get oidium. The photo shows that the leaves of such a plant are covered with unsightly gray spots. Treatment consists of processing sheet plates soap solution.

Japanese camellia is susceptible to cucumber mosaic. Symptoms of the disease are yellowing of leaf veins. In order for the plant to recover, careful treatment with insecticides is necessary.

Japanese camellia is a magnificent ornamental plant with a long flowering period. It will perfectly complement any home interior. In order for a flower to delight with its soft pink buds, it is necessary to properly care for it. You can decorate your window with a real rose garden, since growing these plants is not particularly difficult.

caring for camellias.

If you bought a blooming camellia. It is recommended to place it closer to the window, from where a sufficient amount of light penetrates; the ideal room for it is cool greenhouses or just a glazed balcony of an ordinary city apartment. The flower has a negative attitude towards constant movement from place to place; you should also not turn it.

Camellia lighting

Camellia - plant short day. Flower growers recommend artificially shortening the daylight hours to 12-13 hours in the warm season (in particular, in late summer - early autumn), creating shade for the plant. This ensures that the camellia can successfully establish and begin to develop flower buds.

Temperature

Compliance with certain temperature regime also important for the good development and flowering of camellias. during the period when its buds are being laid and during flowering, the most suitable temperature is 13-17°C; with the onset of cold weather and winter (from November to December-January), it is recommended to lower this temperature to 6-8°C. It should be remembered that a decrease in temperature must be accompanied by a decrease in watering (without allowing the soil to dry out) - otherwise the camellia's buds may fall off.

Watering camellia

Camellia should be watered with soft water at room temperature, abundantly and regularly, without allowing the soil to dry out. At the end of July, the plant begins to bud; from this period, watering should be slightly reduced. To increase air humidity, you can spray the flower daily; For the same purposes, the pot is often placed in a pan of water on a layer of gravel or pebbles: this allows you to maintain the moisture balance without damaging the flowers during flowering. By the way, this is where Seramis granules will come to your aid. Not only will it promote a healthier air/water regime for the roots, but it will also increase humidity and ensure uniformity. To avoid flooding the plant, use the Seramis humidity indicator. This is very important, because if you water the plant unevenly and excessively, the camellia leaves may turn brown and the buds may fall off - this is due to impaired aeration and acidification of the soil.

Fertilizer

Regarding fertilization of camellias, we note the following. From the period of resumption of growth until the end of July, it is recommended to feed the plant weekly, including the use of special fertilizers for roses (following the instructions on the package). When the camellia has bloomed and its growth has resumed, you can apply a highly diluted fertilizer for the flowers, and during the period when the buds are being laid and filled, fertilizing should be stopped. In addition, we must remember that the concentration of the fertilizer solution for camellia should be lower than the average dose: 1 gram per liter instead of 3-5 grams for the same amount of water.

If we talk about Seramis brand fertilizers. which can be used to feed camellias, we recommend paying attention to the packaging with a red cap: this is a complex nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer for flowering plants with added microelements (including chelates of iron, manganese, zinc and copper).

Transplanting camellias

Camellia is replanted once every two years, but at a certain period: replanting can only be done after flowering, when the plant begins to produce new shoots, but not later than the end of July.

Reproduction

Camellias are used for propagation in January or July: cuttings are cut along with developed leaves (3-5). The pots with cuttings should be placed in a bright (but not in the sun) and warm place; usually the cuttings take root within two months.

Florist Tatyana shares her experience of growing camellias in Seramis soil with us: “Now I don’t have any problems with camellias. Yes, my very first camellia died, for the reason that there was very little information in the literature, but now we are with it We became friends and it is blooming for me. Now it’s not the double pink one that is blooming, but the double pink one is still picking up buds. They are in my kitchen, the windows (double-glazed windows) are open all the time with micro-ventilation, if it’s -3 outside I open the sash completely, there’s a piece of polyethylene on the windowsill. , which drops to the floor - so the temperature in the window area is about 10-12 degrees, at night it’s a little lower. I don’t spray them, but there are vessels with water around. I water them only with warm water. In the first year after transplanting, I didn’t feed them at all. 2nd year, 2 times in total. I start taking it out onto the balcony in April and bringing it in in October, this year I brought it in in November (it was very warm). I’ll see if I need to replant this year, and then I’ll try.”

Such a plant, exotic and beautiful, will attract attention and make you admire it for a long time. Of course, growing this beauty in our latitudes is not so easy, but camellia is worth all your efforts when planting and caring for it.

In this article we will take a closer look at the features of camellia and talk about the most basic types and varieties of this plant. We will also note everything important nuances agricultural techniques for growing camellia in open ground and at home.

Features and description of camellia

Camellia is decorative evergreen shrub or a small tree that can decorate any area with its glossy leaves and incredible beautiful flowers. Garden camellia belongs to the Tea family and the Camellia genus, which makes this flower close to the well-known tea. The natural habitat of camellia is considered to be tropical or subtropical territories of Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Java, and the Philippines.

The first mention of camellia dates back to 1725 BC. It was at this time that one of the Chinese emperors liked to drink an infusion of camellia leaves. He even recognized this drink as his favorite. Nowadays, this drink is called tea, which is loved by millions of people around the world. This wonderful flower appeared in Europe in the 18th century, where it was brought by the Jesuit monk Joseph Camellus, after whom the botanist Carl Linnaeus named this exotic plant.

Description of Camellia:

• Camellia is tropical plant and on our territory it is possible to grow it in winter gardens. However, in last years more and more are being displayed frost-resistant varieties of this flower, which can be grown in open ground.
• The main unusual feature of camellia is its flowering during the dormant period - from autumn to spring. It is during this period that the flower can be taken into a room with a cool temperature.
• Growing camellias is also possible at home, but here you may encounter problems. After all, camellia requires quite low temperatures for the formation of buds - the optimal temperature is 12 degrees Celsius.
• Currently exists a large number of garden camellia hybrids that have excellent winter hardiness and flowering duration.
• Camellia grows in the form of a bush or small tree. It can reach 2 meters in height.
• The entire camellia bush is densely covered with glossy, leathery leaves, which can grow up to 3-17 cm in length.
• The shape of the leaves can also be different - oblong, ovoid, elliptical.
• Camellia flowers are quite large, reaching 5-12 cm in diameter.
• The flowers are axillary and consist of five petals with a corolla. They grow singly.
• There are six forms of camellia flowers, from simple to very double.
• The shades of flowers can also be different: white camellia, pink camellia, red, lilac camellia.
• Camellia flowering begins in autumn and lasts approximately 2-3 months. Optimal flowering occurs in February, when camellia flowers bloom at their maximum. Then the whole bush is densely strewn with bright flowers.
• Valued for its decorative leaves and flowers. It is used to create bright interiors of apartments and to decorate parks. Blooming camellias ideal for winter gardens and verandas.
• Today there are more than 10,000 various varieties camellias.

Variety of camellia species and varieties

Thanks to the enormous work of breeders, a large number of camellia varieties have been bred, which differ different levels frost resistance, duration of flowering, as well as size and color of flowers. Let's take a closer look at the main types of this flower and their varieties.

Camellia montana

• There are several synonyms for this type of camellia: mountain tea, camellia miyagi, sazanka.
• The natural habitat of mountain camellia is considered to be the territory of Japan, namely the islands of Okinawa and Kyushu. This flower prefers to grow in mountain forests.
• The Japanese often call this flower “Winter Sun Flower”.
• This type of camellia blooms from November to February.
• The shrub of the plant itself can reach 3-4 m in height.
• The leaves are small, oblong, up to 7 cm long. The surface is glossy, dark green.
• Flowers grow singly or collected in 2-3 inflorescences.
• In cultivation you can find garden varieties of camellia, excellent for growing in cool rooms.

Popular varieties:

• Camellia "Chansonette". Mountain camellia with beautiful pink flowers.
• Camellia "Daydream". This plant pleases with simple white flowers with a pinkish border around the edge of the petals.

Camellia sinensis

• The Chinese camellia has another name - Camellia bohea.
• It is this type of camellia that is used to produce black and green tea.
• Used on a production scale.
• It grows naturally in Japan and China. Prefers mountain slopes, various gorges and undergrowth.
• Shrubs of this species are quite tall and can reach 15 m in nature.
• The leaves are glossy, oblong, up to 10 cm in length.
• Flowers grow singly or in groups on short stalks.
• The flowers have a predominantly white tint.
• Mainly grown in subtropical humid climates. Chinese camellia has a small distribution in the garden.

Camellia japonica

• One of the most popular and used types of camellia. used for breeding new varieties of garden and indoor camellias.
• The natural habitat of Japanese camellia is considered to be the territory of Japan, China and Korea.
• In Japan, this plant is very popular and is revered in the same way as the famous sakura.
• This type of camellia can grow as shrubs and small trees. This plant can reach 15 m in height.
• The leaves are ovate up to 10 cm in length with a glossy dark green surface.
• The flowers are small, up to 4 cm in diameter, but in cultivation you can find garden hybrids with flowers up to 12 cm in diameter.
• Flowers grow singly or several times in small inflorescences.
• Flowers can be different in shape: simple, semi-double, double.
• The shades of Japanese camellia flowers are also pleasing: white, pink, red, variegated.
• Widely used for growing in tubs, containers and open ground.

Popular varieties of Japanese camellia:

• Camellia "Adolf Adusson". The plant of this variety blooms with bright semi-double red flowers.
• Camellia "Alba Simplex". Is different simple structure colors. Their hue during flowering is white.
• Camellia "Betty Sheffield". Beautiful double flowers, white with lots of pink touches.
• Camellia "Tammia". The flower of this camellia variety looks like a white star with an unusual pink border along the edge of the petals.

Hybrid Camellia Williams

• This type of camellia consists of a large number of hybrid varieties that are perfectly adapted to European frosts and cold weather.
• Most often it takes the form of small trees up to 5 m in height.
• A peculiarity of the flowers of hybrid camellias is that after flowering the plant sheds its wilted flowers.

In addition to these types of camellia, there are also camellia golden, camellia reticulate, and camellia saluen.

Camellia propagation methods

Camellias can be grown quite easily on your own. Several methods are suitable for their propagation: seed propagation, cuttings, propagation by layering and by grafting. Let's take a closer look at the features of each method.

Camellia seed propagation

• Camellia seeds are very poorly stored and quickly lose their viability, so you need to sow fresh seeds immediately after collection.
• When using this method, it is necessary to remember that the future plant will lose all its varietal characteristics.
• Before sowing seeds, it is necessary to prepare special containers with nutrient soil mixture.
• For active growth of seedlings, the soil mixture must consist of peat and sand in equal proportions.
• After sowing the seeds, the box should be stored at a temperature of 20-22 degrees Celsius.
• Camellia is different long period seedling emergence. This process can take you from several weeks to a year.
• Next, when 2 strong leaves appear on the seedlings, the camellia needs to be planted in separate pots.
• This method is preferable, since plants grown from seeds take root better and adapt to natural climatic conditions.
• Young plants grown from seeds will bloom only after 5-8 years, although there are varieties whose flowering can be seen after 2-3 years.

Propagation by cuttings

• This propagation method is used to breed hybrid camellia varieties.
• It is best to prepare semi-lignified cuttings in mid-summer.
• To do this, you need to use not young shoots, but semi-lignified ones. They are usually olive in color.
• The length of one cutting should be about 7 cm. At the same time, make sure that each has 2-3 nodes, as well as axillary and apical buds, and 3-5 strong leaves.
• The lower part of the cuttings should be cut at an oblique angle and the leaves should be torn off.
• Then place all planting material in the root former solution for a while. For example, Kornevin will do.
• Next, prepare containers for rooting cuttings and soil mixture. Usually a mixture of sand, peat soil and leaf soil is used.
• Plant the prepared cuttings in boxes and place them in a greenhouse with a temperature of at least 22 degrees Celsius. It is also important to ensure bottom heating of the containers.
• Usually rooting occurs within 2-3 months, which is quite a long time.
• Camellias grown from cuttings may bloom within a couple of years.

Reproduction by layering

• This method is less labor-intensive and costly.
• To grow camellia using layering, you need to select the lower shoot on a healthy and strong bush and bend it to the ground.
• At a certain point, the shoot is sprinkled with soil mixture.
• Using this method of propagation, you will get an adult and flowering plant within a year.

Reproduction by vaccinations

• Another way to grow camellias yourself. Grafting from cuttings is most often used.
• Vaccination should be carried out three weeks before the start of the growing season.
• You need to make a split near the ground and place the cutting there.
• Next, the grafting site should be sprinkled with soil and the entire plant should be covered with a glass cap.
• Using this method, the plant will bloom faster.

Stages of preparation for planting camellia

Growing camellia is a very complex and labor-intensive process, especially in our climate. Therefore, to obtain a beautiful, and most importantly flowering, plant, you must carefully prepare. It is important to choose the right camellia varieties and healthy seedlings. The main thing in proper cultivation camellias - planting site and soil preparation.

Stage 1. Selection of camellia seedlings

The main rule for successfully growing an exotic plant is choosing the right variety for your climatic conditions. Today, a large number of frost-resistant varieties have been developed that feel great in our cold weather. For the winter, such plants can be moved without any problems to cool rooms with a temperature no higher than 15 degrees.

It's best to choose hybrid varieties, which best adapt to climate conditions. It is also necessary to buy camellia in a blooming state. Since this is an evergreen plant, it gains strength precisely during flowering.

Purchase camellia seedlings only from specialized nurseries or agricultural firms that professionally grow and breed exotic plants. Before purchasing, carefully inspect the plant; there should be no damage or signs of disease.

Stage 2. Selecting a landing site

Many novice gardeners have a question about where camellia grows. This is very important point in growing this bright flower. Camellia is a plant of subtropics and tropics, so it needs to choose an appropriate place. For the formation of buds and buds, the daylight hours must be at least 13 hours. It is important to find a place in light partial shade that long time will be illuminated throughout the day sun rays. It should also be remembered that the selected area must be closed from winds and drafts.

Camellias feel great next to garden trees various buildings that provide the plant with the necessary shade. Camellia can be grown in oak tubs, which are taken out in the summer open air, and in winter they are placed in cool rooms.

Stage 3. Preparing the soil for planting

It is important to choose nutritious, loose and slightly acidic soil for planting camellias. It is in such conditions that you will get strong and healthy plant. Before planting, be sure to thoroughly dig the soil and add compost. The soil should also be sufficiently moist and well permeable to air and moisture. The soil in the selected area should consist of humus, coniferous soil, peat and sand. You can also use soil mixture for rhododendrons for planting camellias, which is sold in specialized stores.

Technology for planting camellias in open ground

• It is best to plant camellias in open ground during the dormant period, since in spring these plants have the most active growth. And they simply cannot tolerate any transplant. You can plant camellia in open ground around November.
• To plant in the selected area, you need to prepare planting holes.
• The size of the pits should be larger earthen coma on the camellia root system. Experienced gardeners recommend making the hole much deeper so that the plant takes root faster.
• Since camellia prefers a special soil mixture, in case low-quality soil gets into planting hole, the bottom can be covered with a special film for a pond in a small hole.
• A layer of drainage must be placed at the bottom of each hole to prevent prolonged stagnation of water at the roots of the plant. You can use fine gravel or expanded clay as drainage.
• Next, it is important to prepare the soil, which should consist of humus, sand, peat and coniferous soil. You can add a little chopped spruce or pine bark to this soil mixture.
• If you are planting camellias in pots, be sure to choose a fairly wide pot so that the plant's root system has enough space. You also need to place a layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot.
• Next, spill the camellia seedling with water and carefully remove it from the container. It is important to do this very carefully, as the plant's root system is fragile and can be damaged.
• Place the seedlings in the prepared holes and carefully sprinkle them with soil, lightly tamping them with your hands.
• When planting, you need to remember that you cannot bury the root collar of the camellia; it must be flush with the surface of the earth.
• The soil around the plant can be mulched with peat or fallen leaves.

Agricultural technology for growing camellias: secrets and nuances of caring for an exotic flower

It is important not only to plant the camellia correctly, but also to provide it with further regular and attentive care. Only then will your exotic beauty delight you with lush and incredibly beautiful blooms. Camellia care consists of regular watering, fertilizing and pest control.

Watering camellias

Camellia loves to grow in moist soil, but without excessive stagnation of moisture. In spring and summer time The plant must be watered only with soft water, abundantly and regularly. Can also be used lightly warm water. Camellias respond well to spraying, although this is not necessary. You also need to spray with soft water. Also remember that you can spray the plant before the flowers appear. In winter, all watering is stopped.

Temperature and lighting

For active growth and flowering of camellia, a large amount of light is important, but the plant should not be exposed to open sunlight. If you are growing camellia at home, then find a place for it on the west or east side.

Temperature is also very important for the normal growth of camellias. The formation of buds and buds occurs at a temperature of 18-20 degrees. And for normal flowering the temperature should be 8-10 degrees.

Loosening and mulching

Periodically, the soil around the camellia needs to be loosened, as this plant prefers soil that easily allows air and moisture to pass through. Loosening is most often carried out after watering. You can also add mulch during the weeding process, which will protect the plant from excessive evaporation of moisture. Dry peat or tree bark can be used as mulch. When mulching, make sure that the root collar remains open.

Feeding camellias

Camellia responds well to fertilization. Fertilizers are suitable for this plant, which are usually applied to plants that love acidic soils. The best time to feed camellia is early spring, when the plant has fully awakened. At this time, you can use complex mineral fertilizers, which include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy in winter and autumn.

Camellia pruning

At proper care Camellia does not need pruning. This plant is distinguished by its dense and beautiful crown, which has the correct shape. However, sanitary pruning can be carried out periodically, during which damaged shoots should be removed. At the same time after flowering, you can also carry out formative pruning, removing the tops of the branches bud by bud.

Transplanting camellias

Camellias need to be replanted only during the dormant period, namely from November to February. It is in this case that your plant will take root and grow into a strong shrub. Young plants are replanted once every 2 years, and adults can grow in one place for quite a long time - up to 8 years. After which it is better to transplant them to another area.

Disease and pest control

• Root rot. This disease most often affects camellia. It may appear due to improper care of the plant, irregular or excessive watering, or the wrong location. Plants' root systems begin to rot, causing buds and leaves to wither and fall off. In this case, the plant must be dug up and burned.

Pests:

• Aphid. To combat this pest, you can use a soap solution.
• Spider mite. It can be easily dealt with using an emulsion based on various oils.

Camellia in winter

Camellia can withstand frosts in open ground down to minus 20 degrees. If you grow this flower in a milder climate, then the camellia does not need any special care. You can shelter it a little from bright sunlight and mulch the soil around it with fallen leaves. If climatic conditions If your area is more severe, it is best to plant camellias in tubs and pots, and with the onset of winter, take the beauties to a cool room with a temperature no higher than 15 degrees.

The use of camellia in landscape design

Camellia is a very bright and unusual flower that will certainly decorate your area.

• Climbing varieties of camellias are often used to decorate arbors and fences.
• These plants also look beautiful in single plantings.
• Designers use camellia to create original garden compositions.
• Camellias are a valuable decoration for winter gardens.
• These bright flowers can be grown in tubs, which look original on the site in the summer.

Photo of camellia in landscape design

You can more clearly see all the examples and features of using this unusual plant in site design in the photos below.

Single planting of camellias

Using camellias to entwine gazebos and house walls

Using camellia to create garden compositions

Camellia is very beautiful and unusual plant, which can turn your area into a bright one Japanese garden. And don’t be afraid of the difficulties and hassle associated with growing this beauty. As a result, you will get a real work of art.

Camellia is a genus of evergreen shrub and tree plants of the Tea family (Theaceae). In nature, these plants are common in the tropics and subtropics. But knowing how to care for camellia, wonderful flower You can try to grow it at home. If everything is done correctly, you will be able to admire it year after year. magnificent view and luxurious flowering. After all, camellia is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful and graceful plants.

Camellia flowers are very similar to roses, for which the plant received its second name - Japanese rose.

Camellia is native to Japan, Korea, the island of Java and the Philippine Islands, the Indochina Peninsula, central and southeast Asia. The plant was brought to Europe in the 17th century by the naturalist monk Camellus (the plant is named after him). Now the Asian beauty can be found not only in Asia, but also in the south of the USA, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea coast.

Camellia is grown in many greenhouses and winter gardens, used to decorate closed interiors, and in regions with a mild, humid climate, the plant has become an indispensable element of landscape design.

Most species are shrubs, but there are also tall trees. The dark green leaf blades of the plants, from 3 to 17 cm long, are oval in shape, pointed or semicircular at the ends.

Large elegant flowers, complementing the rich greens, can be delicate white, cream, pink or bright red. Two-color double or variegated camellia flowers look no less impressive. Delicate flower petals seem to be made of wax, which gives the buds a special attractiveness.

Varieties

Camellia leaves are the raw material for obtaining essential oil, a decoction of flowers has an antiseptic, analgesic, tonic effect, and in Chinese medicine Japanese camellia used as an anticancer agent.

The genus includes more than 200 species, the most famous of which are Chinese and mountain camellia. And in indoor floriculture The Japanese variety is most often grown.

• Chinese (otherwise boheya). Grows on mountain slopes and in wooded areas of China. The tall bush has elongated, fleshy, glossy leaves of rich green color. White axillary flowers on short peduncles are arranged singly or in 2–3 buds.
• Mountain (otherwise Miyagi, tegmentosis). A shrub with pubescent young shoots of a reddish hue and thin branches in nature reaches a height of 3–5 meters. At the same time, the dimensions of the dark green elongated leaves of mountain camellia are quite modest: about 7 cm in length and up to 3 cm in width. In November, large (about 7 cm) white, pink or red flowers bloom on the bush. Flowering lasts until January.
• Japanese. The most popular variety among flower growers, which has given rise to many hybrids, including Alba simplex, Adolph Adduson, Tammia and others. All varieties have dense, oval, dark green leaves, and from December to April they delight with large single, single or double, white, pink or red flowers.
• Williams. The species is winter-hardy and least demanding of environmental conditions. A distinctive feature of the variety is that the plant sheds faded buds, while in other species they remain on the stem.

Care according to the rules

Camellia is a capricious flower that can be considered one of the most demanding and difficult to grow. But if you care for camellia according to the rules, the plant will quickly develop and grow, and bloom profusely.

Lighting and watering

The indoor camellia flower is light-loving and grows well on windows facing east and west. When choosing a place for cultivation, you need to take into account the characteristics of a particular variety: Japanese camellia does not tolerate direct sun (it needs to be shaded), but mountain camellia feels great under the scorching rays of the sun. The plant cannot be placed on the north side - there will be little light.

To achieve uniform crown formation, flower pot From time to time you need to rotate around its axis. But during the bud-laying phase, it is forbidden to disturb the flower, otherwise you will not be able to admire the beautiful flowering.

The plant needs to be moistened evenly. Japanese rose reacts poorly to both excess moisture and drying out of the soil. IN summer period When flower buds are being laid, the plant needs to be watered only when the top layer of soil dries out. In winter, watering camellias should also be moderate - this will help avoid rotting of the roots. Water for irrigation is taken at room temperature.

Temperature and humidity

The room in which camellia grows should be well ventilated. In summer, the temperature should be in the range of 18–20 ° C, in spring – from 13 to 17 ° C. In winter, it is better to place the flower on a glazed balcony or loggia, where the temperature is kept in the range of 8–12 ° C. In rooms with working heating devices the plant feels bad: it withers, begins to hurt, and does not bloom.

Indoor camellia does not react well to drafts and temperature changes.

The air in the room where the plant is kept must be humid. In summer, the required humidity can be maintained by spraying the plant twice a day. In winter, additional moisture will be provided by placing a container of water next to the plant. You can also place the flower pot in a tray with damp small pebbles or expanded clay, moss.

The soil

Japanese rose grows best in acidic soil. Alkaline soil substrate can be acidified with a few drops lemon juice or special fertilizers.

The soil for camellias should be light, well-permeable to air and moisture, since in heavy soil the roots of the plant quickly rot.

Usually, indoor flower planted in ready-made purchased land intended for growing azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. The composition of such soil is equal quantities includes:

• crushed bark;
• vermiculite;
• perlite;
• high peat;
• sand.

To ensure good drainage, place a large layer of expanded clay on the bottom of a wide pot.

You can prepare the soil mixture yourself. In this case, it is important that the soil has an acidic reaction and is well permeable to moisture and air. Can be mixed:

• leaf mixture (2 parts);
• peat soil (2 parts);
• turf (2 parts);
• coniferous substrate (2 parts);
• sand (1 part).

Feeding

Fertilizers begin to be applied in the spring, when the first young shoots appear. Frequent feeding of camellia is not required; it is enough to apply fertilizer once every 3-4 weeks. At the end of summer, when flower buds begin to form, fertilizing is stopped completely.

Fertilize the flower with organic or complex mineral fertilizers for flowering plants, containing nitrogen, potassium, sulfur and phosphorus, microelements (copper and zinc, manganese, iron, boron and molybdenum). Complexes containing calcium and magnesium should not be used. Their source is ordinary tap water, which is used for irrigation. And an excess of these elements can cause the death of the plant.

When diluting fertilizers, it is better to reduce the concentration indicated in the instructions by half, since an excess nutrients is not good for camellia, but harmful. As an organic fertilizer, you can use chicken manure in low concentration.

Planting, replanting and pruning

Camellia at home is replanted in February - immediately after flowering ends, before active growth begins. Young camellias are replanted annually, but it is enough to replant an adult indoor plant once every 3-4 years. It is better to take wide pots for replanting. The bush cannot be planted deep, and the root collar, located between the roots and the stem, is strictly forbidden to be sprinkled with earth.

The plant must be replanted very carefully, trying not to damage the roots.

Home care for camellia also includes regular pruning of shoots. The procedure is best carried out from the beginning of October to the end of November.

It is important to remember that camellia is poisonous, and all transplanting and pruning procedures must be carried out with gloves.

Bloom

A characteristic feature of camellia is that it blooms during the dormant phase - from mid-autumn to the end of winter. During this period, it is important to provide the plant with a temperature within 12–15 ° C. In hotter conditions, the plant may shed its buds. Flowering duration is from 1 to 3 months. In spring, flowering ends, the plant wakes up, and vegetative growth is activated.

Problems in growing

When growing camellias, difficulties associated with care errors, attacks by pests, or damage to a susceptible flower by one disease or another cannot be ruled out.

• Fungal diseases. They appear as black-gray spots on the leaf blades, and brown spots on the petals. Fungicidal drugs are used for treatment.
• Oidium. The leaves of the affected plant become covered with grayish spots. You can cure a flower with soap solution, sulfur, and other fungicides.
• Cucumber mosaic virus. The disease is accompanied by yellowing of the leaf blades along the veins. Insecticides are used for treatment.
• Aphids, scale insects, spider mite. To control pests, the plant is wiped with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol (if there are not many pests) or treated with insecticides (if necessary, the treatment is repeated several times).
• Solitary mower (type of weevil). One of the most common camellia beetles. Its larvae infect the roots, and adult insects infect the root collar. Insect control is carried out with insecticides.

Reproduction

To grow a houseplant, camellia is propagated:

• seeds;
• cuttings;
• vaccinations.

Seeds

Camellia grown from seeds blooms in 2–3 years.

As camellia seeds are stored, their germination rate decreases. Therefore, sowing is carried out immediately after collecting planting material in a container with a pre-prepared soil mixture of high-moor peat, perlite and a small amount of sand. Containers with crops are kept at a temperature of 18 to 22 ° C until germination. When 2 leaves appear on the seedlings, they are planted in separate pots.

Cuttings

For propagation, semi-lignified cuttings about 8 cm long with well-developed growth buds are cut in late spring or early summer. The cut sites are treated with rooting agents and growth stimulants. Then the cuttings are placed in damp sand, vermiculite or a mixture of sand and peat (taken in equal quantities), covered with film or a glass jar, and bottom heating of the soil is provided (temperature about 25 ° C). Under such conditions, the rooting process lasts about 2 months.

If you simply place the cuttings in a glass of water, they will not root.

Vaccinations

Grafting is the most labor-intensive method of propagation. However, if the procedure is carried out correctly, the plant will bloom next year.

Vaccination is carried out in August or January. Semi-lignified apical shoots about 10 cm long are used as cuttings. The cuttings must have 3-4 elongated swollen buds (future leaves). The mother plant is cut off side shoots, and the cut areas are sprinkled with powdered coal. The central trunk is trimmed horizontally at a height of 10–15 cm from the ground level. Vertical cuts are made on the cut of the trunk, grafting cuttings are inserted into them. The cuttings are pressed tightly against the trunk and secured with electrical tape.

Only lignified cuttings are suitable for propagation, and young green shoots are not suitable for cuttings.

It takes about 2 months for the grafts to germinate if they are kept at a temperature of 20 ° C. Young plants need to be regularly sprayed, watered, and protected from direct sun. In the second year, the plant can be transplanted into a pot.

As young plants develop, it is important to prune the side shoots of the mother bush that form below the graft. This will ensure a flow of nutrients to the grafted cuttings.

Purchase Features

You can buy camellia at a specialized flower shop or greenhouse. Moreover, it is best to buy a flowering plant that is in the dormant phase. The cost of camellia is determined by its variety and size, and is:

• 450 rubles – Japanese camellia 15 cm high;
• 1500 rubles – bush 35 cm high;
• 2600 rubles – plant 55 cm high.

The main difficulty in growing camellias is ensuring a suitable temperature regime. It is quite difficult to do this in an apartment. If there is no glazed loggia or balcony where you can maintain low above-zero temperatures in winter, there is no point in growing an Asian beauty - in a heated apartment the plant will get sick and will not bloom. But if it is possible to create comfortable conditions and provide complete care for camellia, at home you will be able to grow an unusually beautiful, exquisite, luxuriously flowering bush.