This is on my patio.

[elleng]

What is it? What kind of care does it require? I've been here since September, and haven't done anything, garden-wise.

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I believe that is a camellia. I've never grown one, but you should be able to google

and find some info on it.

[elleng]

2. Thanks, Granny. edit-

Last edited Thu Apr 10, 2014, 01:53 PM - Edit history (1)

Just found this:

apply fertilizer in the spring, after blooming but before new growth starts. With many fertilizers, small amounts at frequent intervals are better than heavy applications. Special camellia fertilizers as well as 8-8-8, 10-6-4, cottonseed meal, or cow manure are available at your local garden center. One application in early spring after blooming should be followed by a second application in mid-June to early July. Be sure to water fertilizer into the soil.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. That's a beautiful flower. Do they have any scent?

[elleng]

4. No scent that I can discern.

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. a beautiful one at that.

I have it in my back yard. they bloom, here, in January/feb. when it is too cold for anything else.

[elleng]

6. Yes, and a beautiful surprise too!

[lululu]

7. you lucky dog

It takes years for camellias to reach that size.

Collect and dispose of the flowers that drop to the ground, to avoid spreading disease. That's about all I had to do with mine where I lived before. I threw some camellia fertilizer on the ground around it once or twice a year.

They love nice semi-shady spots like that.