Re: What to plant beneath camellias
- Subject: Re: What to plant beneath camellias
- From: D* W* <v*@islandnet.com>
- Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:07:10 -0800
Karrie,
I was surprised to see you consider camellia to be very shallow-
rooted. I consider them to have deep roots, particularly compared
to the many rhododendrons I grow. Camellias grown from seeds in situ
develop a taproot, and I grow my seedlings in very deep pots to
accommodate the long roots.
Rhododendrons have a very wide mat of mostly-fibrous roots, though
they do get some woody horizontal ones with age.
I have never had even a large rhododendron (over my head high) die
from being moved, but I no longer attempt to move even a little
(waist-high) camellia, as they do die.
Diane Whitehead
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
maritime zone 8, cool Mediterranean climate
mild rainy winters, mild dry summers
