The Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society will conduct a Camellia Workshop to introduce the camellia to area residents. The workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, February 9 at the Okaloosa County Extension Annex, 127 NW Hollywood Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach. There is no cost to attend.

In today’s article, Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society member Joseph Jenus invites you to the 2019 camellia workshop.

More than likely, you’ve noticed the vivid color displayed by blooming camellias in our Northwest Florida landscapes. Unlike most outdoor blooming plants, camellias bloom when the plants are dormant during the months of October thru March.

Camellias come in all sizes and shapes. Some types are bushy and short, others may grow to fourteen feet or more in height. Size and shape are easily controlled with proper pruning. There are several thousand registered unique camellias (cultivars). A few that are popular in our area include Pink Perfection, Professor Sargent and Debutante. Flowers range in size from 1½ to 6 inches in diameter, dependent on cultivar. Flower forms include singles, doubles, rose, etc. Camellias are hardy plants that provide many landscaping possibilities. Due to their popularity, the camellia has been designated the State Flower of Alabama. Also, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is called The Camellia City.

Come to this year’s Camellia Workshop. Members of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society will be available to answer questions and will provide demonstrations and handouts with information on the following topics:

1. Planting and Care of Camellias: The special planting requirements for your new camellia and a monthly care calendar will be available for potted and landscape camellias.
2. Propagation: There are several methods to propagate camellias that will be demonstrated. They include air layering, seeds and grafting.
3. Gibbing/Debudding: Instructions will be given on how to improve the size and quality of your camellia blooms.
4. Insects/Diseases: Bring samples of problems you may have for identification and recommended treatment.
5. Gardening with Camellias in Containers: If you don’t have a place to plant them or if you live in a northern climate, consider employing camellias as a potted plant.
6. Free back issues of Camellia magazines will be available in addition to an opportunity to join the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society and the American Camellia Society (ACS).

For more information, call Joseph Jenus, Workshop Chairman, at 850-862-4526.

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