"Twas not my lips you kissed, But my soul" ~ Judy GarlandThe camellia 'Hana Jiman' was the first camellia in my garden to bloom. I looked back just to make sure of the dates - it has been blooming in my garden since November 7! It was full of blooms from the middle of November through the last of that month. By now, I really thought it had finished blooming for the year. That was, until yesterday when I went outside and saw this last kiss goodbye:
Beautiful, isn't it? Doesn't it look all puckered up?
Hana Jiman grows well in zones 7 through 9, average size is up to 15 ft tall, and 6 to 8 ft wide (oops, I think I have mine in too small a spot!), and can take part sun.
"One kind kiss before we part, Drop a tear, and bid adieu;
Though we sever, my fond heart Till we meet shall pant for you." ~ Robert Dodsley
How timely is this post!! I just planted two camellias yesterday evening ... Yuletide and Setsugekka. If someone asks me about roses that grow well, are disease resistant, and bloom in the shade, I tell them to buy camellias. This suggestion is almost always is met with a very confused look and some head shaking. More warmer-climate rose growers SHOULD plant camellias to extend their fall bloom season.
ReplyDeleteLast kiss for the year but more to come next year ;)
ReplyDeleteLovely! I so like Camellias and all their color choices.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
I highly recommend 'Winter's Joy'---it started in October and is about half way through. New flowers today with weather in the 50s.
ReplyDeleteConnie - I can imagine the look of confusion when you steer them from roses to camellias. But, I bet after they think about it, your suggestion goes over well. Camellias are such beautiful plants.
ReplyDeleteMark and Gaz - Yes, thank goodness there's always next year! :)
Cher - I really do love these plants. Like a winter gardenia.
Carolyn - I was so worried my camellia's blooms would be affected by the drought. I'm so glad to see lots of buds on them. Winter's Joy sounds fabulous! I'm adding a lot more camellias to one of my garden beds, and really appreciate the recommendation.
She is a beauty. And next year brings more and more.
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetie, thanks so much for letting me know my photos were not showing up, much appreciated, I think I have it fixed, stop back by if you like, thanks again, tami
ReplyDeleteThe last kiss is even better when it's such a welcome surprise!
ReplyDeleteIt so bittersweet to see the last bloom...it is lovely all puckered up!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer@threedogsinagarden
ReplyDeleteThe flower does look like it is puckering up for a kiss! Camellias seem like a beautiful way for the garden to finish out the year. Merry Christmas to you and your family! All the best for 2012!
Its beautiful ... I love Camellias.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful. I need to build a shade structure - it will be awhile before my trees are big enough ;D
ReplyDeleteGWGT - I'm already looking forward to spring!
ReplyDeleteTami - I will definitely stop back by - that was a great post!
Stacy - You're right - this would not have been so exciting, except I was so surprised to see one last bloom on this plant!
Donna - I really enjoyed that it decided to bloom one more time!
Jennifer - Merry Christmas! I know when the camellias start blooming, Christmas is almost here!
Gardening Blog - Me, too. Anything that blooms in winter is a hit in my book!
Tufa Girl - I had a bed that was full sun where I planted trees. Now, 10 years later, it is full shade and I'm having trouble finding plants that will work there! But, the trees are doing their job - they are on the west side of the house, and before, it was so hot there it was miserable. Now it's a nice area, even without a lot of plants.
yes, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWendy - Aren't the first and the last blooms on a plant the most special?
ReplyDeleteI am gladd you looked at my blog and saw my Garden thank you . I know I am going to enjoy my garden room when I get everythig planted. My Camellias are not blooming yet. I have 5 and I was unhappy because I wanted to have blooms in Dec.and Jan. Yours are beautiful. My husband bought me a plant for Christmas that will bloom in early Spring. I love your garden it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJuanita - You may have Japonica camellias - one of mine doesn't bloom until March! So nice that you got a plant for Christmas - that is very exciting to a gardener!
ReplyDeleteYes I wish all my gifts were for my garden, because I have no more room in my house for any thing. Money to buy my own would be better. I must watch my Christmas plant closely to make sure it gets no sun past 10:00 clock in the morning it can not take the evening sun. I do have three Camellias blooming now. I am going to make sure when I buy the next ones they will bloom in early winter. The Japan Rose is one Sasanqua (Camellia family) that blooms in Nov. Dec.
ReplyDelete