Based on the author's decades of research and breeding experience, this book details the cultural practices necessary for growing camellias in northern climates. It names and profiles cultivars that have proven themselves cold hardy across many seasons.

"The primary purpose of Growing Camellias in Cold Climates is to present the advantages (there are some) and the challenges encountered by the northern gardener," Ackerman explains. "These emphasize striking differences as compared to those followed by our southern friends."

Ackerman convincingly demonstrates that contrary to well-established myths about its lack of hardiness, the camellia has the genetic potential to perform as well as Rhododendrons, Hollies and Azaleas in areas north of the so-called "Camellia Belt" (Hardiness Zones 7-9), providing lustrous foilage and blooms throughout most months of the year.

Don't expect prize-winning blooms in New England or the Rockies, however. The cultivars featured in this book are hardy landscape plants with moderate-sized blooms capable of surviving a northern winter.

Grafting

     There are several reasons why camellias may be grafted instead of being propogated by cuttings or other vegetative methods. Most important of these is the ability to convert an unwanted seedling or cultivar into a plant with flowers more to the grower's liking. Successfully grafted plants grow rapidly and come into flower sooner than with most other methods of propagation.