[Interview: Camellia Secrets with John McGarlan | By Lucy Wright]

Intro:
Welcome to The Bloom Bench, where we get our hands dirty with the people who make gardens come alive. Today, we’re diving into the elegant, often misunderstood world of camellias. These winter bloomers may look effortless, but behind the scenes, there’s science, subtlety, and a surprising amount of strategy. I sat down with John McGarlan—a lifelong floral caretaker, camellia whisperer, and a man who considers gibbing a meditative act. Here’s our unfiltered chat.

Lucy Wright: John, thanks for making time. I’ve heard people call you the “Camellia Confidant.” Is that true?

John McGarlan: (laughs) Oh, I think one person said that once, and it stuck. I usually go by “that guy who mutters to his plants.” But I’ll take it.

Lucy: Let’s start basic: why camellias? What hooked you?

John: Camellias have this quiet dignity. They’re not loud like tulips or flashy like roses. They bloom when everything else is asleep. It feels like they’re doing it for themselves, not the audience. I respect that.

Lucy: You’re describing a flower with a personality.

John: Oh, they absolutely have personalities. Some are moody. Some are stubborn. Some are show-offs. One of mine refuses to open until after New Year’s, no matter how mild the winter. It’s like she’s waiting for the curtain to rise.

Lucy: And when it comes to care, camellias are fussy?

John: They’re particular. They don’t like sudden changes. Imagine someone who always takes their tea a certain way—that’s a camellia. They want dappled light, consistent moisture, acidic soil. Give them that, and they’ll stay with you for decades.

Lucy: Let’s talk gibbing. Most readers probably think you just made that word up.

John: (laughs) It does sound made-up, doesn’t it? Gibbing is the process of applying a hormone paste—usually containing gibberellic acid—to camellia buds. It encourages earlier blooming and larger flowers.

Lucy: So it’s like performance-enhancing drugs for camellias?

John: (grinning) You could say that. Though it’s less doping and more persuasion. You’re nudging the plant. “Hey, want to show off a little earlier this year?”

Lucy: How did you get into gibbing?

John: A mentor of mine in Charleston showed me. He was this old-school hybridizer who treated every bloom like a Broadway debut. He swore by gibbing. I was skeptical until I saw his ‘Nuccio’s Pearl’ bloom a full month before mine—twice the size.

Lucy: What does gibbing actually involve?

John: It’s surprisingly delicate. You select the largest central bud in a cluster, remove the side buds so the plant focuses its energy, and then apply a teeny dab of gibberellic acid at just the right time. Usually late summer to early fall.

Lucy: What happens if you mess it up?

John: You might delay the bloom instead of speeding it up. Or get a monster flower with no shape. It’s a bit like sourdough—you need timing, care, and a pinch of faith.

Lucy: I like that. So, is gibbing something you recommend for the average gardener?

John: Only if they’re curious and patient. It’s not necessary. Camellias are beautiful without it. But if you like experimenting and watching how plants respond—absolutely. Just don’t try it on your first plant. Get to know them first.

Lucy: Like dating before you move in.

John: Exactly! Don’t bring the chemistry set to the first coffee.

Lucy: Outside of gibbing, what’s one thing camellia growers often overlook?

John: Summer care. People forget them once the blooms drop. But summer is when next season’s buds form. Deep watering, mulching, and not pruning—those three things matter most. It’s like training in the off-season.

Lucy: Last question: what’s your favorite camellia variety, and why?

John: That’s like choosing a favorite kid. But I have a soft spot for ‘Debutante.’ It’s old-fashioned, blush-pink, and it always reminds me of my grandmother. She grew one in a rusted whiskey barrel. Said it was the only thing that ever listened to her.

Lucy: That’s lovely. Thank you, John. This has been a delight.

John: Anytime, Lucy. Always happy to talk plants—or at least be overheard by them.

Outro:
Big thanks to John McGarlan for pulling back the curtain on camellia care and the mysterious art of gibbing. If you’re intrigued, we’ll be posting John’s beginner-friendly gibbing guide next week. Until then, remember: a little patience and a lot of mulch go a long way. Stay blooming!