Camellia Dr Burnside

Short Description
Japonica. Semi double to peony form flowers 15cm across. Dark red with yellow stamens 25 to 35 petals. Mid season. Originated 1951 by Dr AF Burnside , Sth Carolina, USA.

More Information
(C.japonica), American Camellia Yearbook, 1962-1963, p.217, Reg. No.658: An 8 year old chance seedling that first bloomed 1959; originated by Dr A.F. Burnside, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

Plant growth is upright and average in rate with dark green leaves, 10 cm x 7.5 cm.

The semi-double to peony form flowers, 15 cm across x 7.5 cm deep, are true, dark red with yellow stamens and 25-35 petals. Blooms mid-season. See p.80,81, Macoboy 1981, The Colour Dictionary of Camellias and the front cover ACS., 1963, The Camellia Journal, vol.18, No.4. Sport: Dr Burnside Variegated'.
Reference: The International Camellia Register p.491

Use as an Ornamental
Not recommended as a hedge variety but could be used as an informal screen.

Makes a good feature plant in a garden or as a background shrub.

Like all Camellias if the plant gets old and loses form, prune severely back to a stump 30 - 50cm high. After a few weeks new shoots will appear from the stump and the plant will reform.

Cultivation
Camellias will grow in full sun or partial shade. In very dark shade the plant may still grow but will likely lose all form as it searches for light.

Camellias do like a good rich loamy soil to grow in. Poor soils (clay, sand) will cause stunted growth, and foliage color may fade to a lighter green and even cause yellowing.

Ground should be average garden conditions. Excessive irrigation should be avoided once planted as excessive water can cause root rot. Root rot shows the same foliage symptoms as drought.

Plant at the same depth as it is in the container, give a good water to settle the dirt around the roots, and generally leave alone apart from pruning. A newly planted plant will only need additional water through the first summer, and then only 1 to 2 times per week in very dry conditions.

Generally, Camellias should require no fertilizer after planting assuming reasonable top soil. If fertilizer is required use an NPK with FE, and only a teaspoon fill sprinkled over the soil surface within the drip line.
After planting Camellias tend to do nothing for several weeks while the settle in. Most growth occurs mid spring onwards.