Camellia sasanqua

‘Yuletide’

As you head toward the back of the greenhouse, you will notice a flurry of colorful blooms. These are the sasanqua camellias. Sasanqua camellias bloom in the fall and early winter. The flowers are single and smaller than the japonicas, their counterpart, but are usually profuse. The leaves are also smaller.

‘Kanjiro’

The petals will fall after a few days but a succession of blooms will follow and most will provide a display for a month or longer. The carpet of fallen blossoms are quite attractive.

Sasanqua camellias are also fragrant and attract a variety of late season insects and hummingbirds.

‘Setsugekka’

This is a good time to get camellias in the ground. They like acidic soils that are light and well-drained. To improve your soil, add liberal amounts of compost, leaf mold or aged manure. Sasanqua camellias tolerate sun better than the japonica varieties but some shade, preferably in the afternoon, would be best.

Camellias can be used in a number of ways in the garden including specimen plants, hedges, container and espalier.

‘Peek-A-Boo’