Plant of the Month:

Columbine--Aquilegia chrysantha

When and Where to Plant: 
Plant in the dormant season in light shade with the root ball slightly higher than the surrounding ground.

 Care and Maintenance: 

Fertilize in late winter with an azalea-camellia food at label rates.  If you feed in early fall, use half the suggested label rates.  Prune as needed before spring growth.  Applications of broad-spectrum fungicides may help prevent some of the fungus problems. 

Something of Interest: 
Variegated camellias are the result of an intentional infection by a virus. 
Recommended varieties:  ‘Bonanza,’ ‘Jean May,’ ‘Lavender Queen,’ ‘Maiden’s Blush,’ 
‘Mine-no-Yuki,’ ‘Shi Shi Gashi,’ ‘Sparkling Bur-gundy,’ and ‘Yuletide.’ 

---