A Tell of Two Camellias - Redux

A Tell of Two Camellias - February 2026

Nearly five years ago I published an article about these two gorgeous Camellias - it follows below, after what's next.

Since then, the previous owners, who I always enjoyed, sold the property and referred me (so, thankful) to the new owners. 

I worked on a Lady Banks Rose for the new owner and then she wanted to address the Camellias, once, at least, again.

I initially raised the canopies and pruned away the root suckers and water sprouts, but both Camellias had grown quite well and filled out and in - they were getting quite busy and dense inside.

The owner is quite plant savvy and wished for me to thin them out for health reasons, as well as aesthetics. Sounded great to me - proper pruning and plant care. Our heart and mind were in the same place. I was excited.

The pruning, more so, where to prune, was intense, requiring much thought and review along the way; yet, well worth it.

These two Camellias are of different species so I had to work with their individual branch structures.

I usually don't attempt to shape the crowns of trees (actually, these now, tree-like shrubs), as it's usually futile, but I did so with what they would allow as the plant often dictates what it will physiologically allow when pruning. These aren't Boxwoods or Azaleas.

I am also pleased to know that the pruning I performed years ago allowed these two to form the shapes they are now.   

This is a beautiful property and I feel assured she will think through, walk through and experiment with all the changes she envisions. 

Please read the original article below.

A Tell of Two Camellias

Camellia One - After, 2021

There was and is a property I have passed by, viewing, for many years, for which I had always shown praise for the wonderfully mixed variety of plants, their orchestrated placement and the maintenance of same. 

Then, one day, I received a call from the owner after she saw a presentation I had done over Zoom for the Richland County Master Gardeners. I would have preferred to have done so in person. Nonetheless, I was excited she contacted me.

In disbelief (I never know until I give a closer look.), she had at least two plants which needed to be addressed, two Camellias.

Camellia One - Before, 2021

Camellia Two - Before, 2021

They both had become unruly shrubs because of their unknown need to sprout suckers from their roots - not so common with Camellias or their brethren, Sasanquas. 

Some odd things happen in the plant world, even in the best conditions. One need only recognize such and respond accordingly.

It may take a few more months before these wonderful trees appear to be what they were meant to be, but they will. They are now on their way.

This was one of my most challenging and best-result pruning projects in the last several months and I wish to thank Karen and her husband for the opportunity. 

This is why I continue to do what I do. If I could only find these most-rewarding situations, year-round. I love pruning. It's where I live.

In the meantime. I will continue to address what needs addressing. Our scope goes well beyond the obvious. 

Coming Soon: Gardening and Plant Myths - There are Plenty.

Camellia Two - After, 2021