There are numerous _Camellia sasanqua_ cultivars that are far preferable to 'Chansonette" if tree-like growth is what you want. Bear in mind that all camellias are considered slow-growing evergreen trees. 'Chansonette' is, indeed, compact and spreading. Two tall-growing, tree-like _Camellia sasanqua_ cultivars are 'Setsugekka' and 'Jean May.' We have specimens of those two varieties that are tree-sized, and they've never been trained arborescently. They've just grown into trees on their own. However, the 'Setsugekkas' have been in our yard since the early to mid-nineteen sixties and the 'Jean May' since the early nineteen seventies. I would say they're about the height of a large dogwood--not giants of the forest, but tree-sized, nonetheless.

pieper - You all had alot of snow this past year and sometimes it takes awhile for the damage to finally assert itself! And especially with them facing south, any snow would have reflected the strong south sun right up against them, potentially causing alot of winter burn - and moreso because of the generally mild winter and freeze/thaw. I would just leave them be. They have been around for a long time and have seen some of the best that NY can offer in terms of weather! LOL They will most likely recover if you don't overly baby them and try to cure them of something that might not be the problem. One of my sisters has one twice the age of yours and she used to worry too but then just opted to make sure it was mulched, fertilized, and watered. And even when it looked worse for the wear, it has bloomed beautifully every year and yearly makes alot of new growth inside.

I've always had better luck with transplanting anything by just digging it up (with as much rootball intact as possible) and setting it into a nice new home that is well prepared ahead of time. Lots of talking to the plant and some water everyday for a month or so, and most times they do just fine. No plant likes being moved, and I can't see where chopping at its' roots to root prune it would serve to make it very happy. My opinion is that it is better off making new roots once. I had thought about moving one of my camellias, and a local camellia farm told me to wait until after it bloomed and then to just move it. I changed my mind about moving it when the owner of the nursery said the best thing is to leave it where it is because there is always the possibility of losing it, and it is one that I like a great deal. I know you are anxious to plant the treasured plants you brought with you, but maybe you should let these camellias bloom before digging them out. You can always remove them later if need be. There might be some that you find you love and can incorporate into your garden plan. (Speaking from past experience, and some regrets). Sandy

Impossible to pick only 5 and really mean it, but at this minute, I think my choices would be some oldies but goodies: 'Governor Mouton' 'Otome' (AKA 'Pink Perfection') 'Professor Sargent' (if it's a true red, and not orangey) 'Comte de Gomer' 'Alba Plena' I like a lot of the camellias others have listed also. And I will hit 'Submit' before I start with 5 runners up! This post was edited by vmr423 on Fri, Sep 27, 13 at 12:56