Camellia sasanqua

 

  Sasanqua Camellia

  Family: Theaceae

  Origin: Native to south and east Asia

Hardiness: Hardy to 15 degrees; Zones 8b, 9 and 10
Growth: Medium growth rate to 5 feet, often with wider spread
Form: Shape varies; some more upright, some with arching branches
Leaves: Dark green; oval; thick; up to 2 inches; toothed margin
Flowers: Red, pink, white; 2 inches across; November to December
Fruit or Seeds:
Exposure: Full sun okay on coast to part shade inland
Water: Keep moist; deep water weekly
Soil: Acidic; high in organic matter; pure peat moss in containers
Fertilizer: May Day, 4th of July & Labor Day with acid food and iron
Prune: Prune to thin and shape in the spring
Problems: Petal blight; keep fallen flowers raked up

Spreading kinds make good espaliers; upright ones can be used for screens. Use in mass plantings in gardens with a woodland theme. Not as particular as azaleas or gardenias as to soils and care. Flowers come in singles and doubles.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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