I've been treating a sasanqua camellia with a fungus. I've removed the infected, thick, whitened leaves, cut the branches to healthy wood, spred a granular fungicide, sprayed a soapie mix all over it.....
All of this knowing that the efforts will not stop the nonfatal disease, which may spread to the others in the Garden.
I can't help wanting it to thrive. I love camellias !
Our own backyard has a japonica the size of a garage, with a healthy patch of hellebores growing under its skirt.
There are around 250 species within the genus Camellia.
They are among the oldest cultivated plants, found from India to the Himalayas, China to Japan to Indonesia to Atlanta.
With friends, years ago, I attended a Camellia show in Orlando, Fl. Still, I am amazed by the variety of uses that go beyond the poetry of their beauty (tea to tools).
Sadly, they are not in bloom right now, in Atlanta. But hydrangeas are !!!!!!
The camellia's young, tender branches, with dark green leaves look great in floral arrangements, though. (Rinse in mild soapy water to clean before arranging.)
Next year, the sick camellia's vigor may return. From within, it will push healthy leaves and tender buds for us to admire.
A quote from the Dalai Lama:
"The fact that things change from moment to moment open up the possibility for positive development. If situations did not change, they would forever retain their aspect of suffering. Once you realize things are always changing, if you are passing through a difficult period you can find comfort in knowing that the situation will not remain that way forever."
(This quote is taken from His book "How To See Yourself As You Really Are.")
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