An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

December 29, 2008

Bloom Day Update - Yuletide Lives Up To Its Name

During the last Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, I lamented the fact that my Camellias sasanqua 'Yuletide' has always been reluctant to bloom, and that it was covered with lots of unopened buds. We went away for Christmas, and when we got home I let the dogs out in the back yard after their vehicular confinement, and there was Yuletide in full bloom, proving Christmas wishes can come true.

I am surprised more plants were not blooming - it reached 76 degrees, tying the record high. Last night neighbors were still outside after dark, enjoying the porch weather under glowing colored Christmas lights. I am always the first person to eschew air conditioning, but yesterday on the way home I was the one to actually cut on the AC in my wife's car. We tried having the windows down which was pleasant enough temperature wise, but it was also incredibly windy, and we were headed right into it. Everything in the very full car that was not nailed down was blowing around, and it was so loud we had to shout to be heard. So up went the windows and on went the AC.

I hope all of you have had a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, joyous Kwanzaa or a peaceful Muharram, and I hope all of us have a prosperous, stable New Year with few surprises.

10 comments:

  1. What a nice surprise welcoming you home! Happy Holidays to you too!

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  2. How nice that it bloomed for you at Christmas. We're having alternating warm and cold days here in Austin. One day the heat is on, the next the A/C.

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  3. Your Yuletide is beautiful. Mine isn't blooming yet and it is nowhere big as yours.

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  4. The name is quite perfect for that beauty Les! Thanks for the views of your garden, it is quite filled as you said. I would love to add a Camelia to my garden next year, what recommendations do you have? I don't want anything too massive.

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  5. Just lovely; one of my favorites. Nice photo

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  6. Tina,
    Thanks, it was nice to see.

    Pam,
    We seem to be having a lot of different weather also.

    Phillip,
    I was actually surprised at how quick this plant grew. It is taller than all of my other camellias, most of which were put in at the same time.

    Racquel,
    If you want a fall blooming (sasanqua) camellia that does not get big, look for Bonanza, Mine-no-yuke aka White Doves, Chansonette, Showa-no-sake, Shi-shi-gashira or Snow Flurry. Most of the winter/spring blooming (japonica) camellias will get big, but they are slower.

    Helen,
    Thanks for your comments.

    Les

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  7. Thanks Les for the great Camelia suggestions! :)

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  8. I remember that warm day! Now it's cold boo hiss. I would like it to be 70 degrees all the time. Your blooms are spectacular and I love that color. I thought about leaving my little twinkle lights up in the inside of my back porch so that summer afternoons would have a nice glow. I'm already thinking Spring and Summer.

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  9. Do you participate in GBBD every month? I have been trying to since I've joined blotanical. I'll be sure to visit you on the 15th of January to see what's bloomin' down your way:)
    Jan

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  10. Racquel,
    You are welcome and I hope they will be of use.

    FGG,
    I too am thinking of another season. Thanks for stopping by.

    Jan,
    I do participate, although I don't know if I'll be showing anything new next week.

    Les

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