Viewing comments posted by eclayne

Refer to U.S. National Arboretum website for history/ culture:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newin...

Camellia (oleifera x hiemalis 'Otome')
Culture: Prefer moist, well-drained, acid soils with high organic matter content. Mulch should be applied and maintained year round. Camellias benefit from light shade in summer and protection from winter wind. Fertilize minimally to prevent leggy, unattractive growth.

Refer to U.S. National Arboretum website for history/ culture:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newin...

Camellia (oleifera x 'Frost Princess')
Culture: Prefer moist, well-drained, acid soils with high organic matter content. Mulch should be applied and maintained year round. Camellias benefit from light shade in summer and protection from winter wind. Fertilize minimally to prevent leggy, unattractive growth.

To overwinter, in early to mid November I cut the pseudo-stem(s) to about 1' above the ground. Create a mulch pile of straw to about 2'H x 6'W. Place a plastic sheet over the pile large enough (about 3x3') to cover the p-stems, then add leaves and more straw to about 3'H. I'll add more straw a few weeks later after the pile has settled. A finished pile 3'H x 6' diameter worked for me. This may be overkill for my zone.

If your looking for the best flavor this is a great choice. Origanum vulgare or Wild Marjoram (pink blooms) doesn't compare, so try not to repeat my mistake. Like most Mediterranean plants this one requires little or no supplemental watering and appreciates a very well draining soil. Very easy to propagate by layering.

I received 2 small starts in mid April 2011 which were re-potted and put outdoors in late May. Like the species they require constant moisture. The 2" deep tray in my photo was kept constantly full of water (after a tip from GeminiSage) and was also where fertilizer was placed bi-weekly through mid September. The tray of the second plant is much shallower and not kept full at all times. It didn't grow nearly as well.

Edited (2012): Over winter the larger plant, which bloomed, was kept growing indoors while the smaller was allowed to go dormant, while potted, in a cool basement without water. In mid April the dormant plant was brought into a sunny warm location with one good watering. The main corm did not grow but 6 offsets did. Offsets were divided out, re-potted then planted out in early June. 5 are doing very well, 1 is not prospering.

In North America this grass is usually identified under the translated name 'Sea Urchin'. This olive green grass, like the other Blue Fescue, is short lived and requires frequent division.

Grown in full sun 'Impala' is fuller with better color. Fun to watch grow, almost before your eyes. Leaves grow to about 24" across.
I purchased a pack of seeds, scarified and soaked for 24hrs. 6 of 9 germinated. Direct sowed, 1/4" deep, 3rd week of May. 5 of 6 grew. This falls crop, about 90 seeds, was suddenly ended by our October snow.

Propagates readily from stem cuttings. Trim to 3 to 6" in early Spring and again to 10 to 12" in late Spring to promote a sturdier, fuller habit.