Camellias are a hardy group of plants that are grown from cool temperate climates through to tropical regions. While many Camellia species are highly adaptable, the best results are generally achieved by choosing cultivars to suit the climate and conditions you are growing them in.

Tea leaves are derived from the plant Camellia sinensis, a species that does well in tropical and sub tropical conditions. Other species, (eg. Camellia reticulata) does not adapt so well to warm climates, and is generally far better in a cool temperate climate. Camellia oleifera is another species grown as a commercial crop oil from this species is used commercially in china.

The three most common ornamental species are:

• Camellia japonica mainly bred varieties from the original, smaller flowered species.
• Camellia sasanqua species from Japan, smaller flowers than C. japonica.
• Camellia reticulata species from China.

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • Review of the system of plant identification
   • General characteristics of the group
   • Information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs etc)
2. Culture
   • Planting
   • Staking
   • Mulching
   • Watering
   • Pest & disease
   • Feeding
   • Pruning
   • Protection from wind, salt air etc.
3. Propagation
   • Methods of propagating camellias
4. Using Camellias
5. The most Commonly Grown Varieties
6. Other important Groups
7. The Lesser Grown Varieties
8. Special Assignment - On one selected plant or group.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Identify different camellias.
• Describe the cultural requirements common to most, if not all, camellias.
• Propagate camellias
• Determine and describe different ways of using Camellias.
• Describe the identification and culture of most commonly cultivated camellias.
• Describe the identification and culture of sasanqua and reticulata camellias.
• Discuss a range of lesser grown species and cultivars of Camellia.
• Discuss a specialist camellia related topic in depth

To learn how to enrol click here