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Camellia Sasanquas
These autumn and early winter flowering camellias beckon that colder months are on the way. The original species came from Japan where is was a favourite decorative shrub for hundreds of years. Growing as a small tree it had narrow leaves and small highly scented single white flowers. This gorgeous warm and delicate fragrance has been imparted to the modern hybrids whose flowers have been improved and colour range widened.
I am particulary impressed by the Paradise range which were bred in Australia to tolerate southern hemisphere conditions. The flowers are more substantial and seem to weather the effects of rain damage on their flowers a lot better than other strains.
Sasanqua Camellias are more variable in their growth habits than camellia Japonicas and range from compact dwarf growers that don’t exceed a metre, to solid 5 metre bushy shrubs. Some have pliable willowy stems and can be trained as semi weeping specimens or the branches trained along wires to form very narrow hedges or espaliered against walls or fences.
The taller varieties are fairly quick growing as long as they are grown in soil that doesn’t dry out during summer. To grow lush plants mulch with compost annually and feed with a general fertilizer high in potash. Feed when the first autumn rains fall. They also appreciate an annual dressing of Gypsum given during winter. Sasanqua Camellias are fairly tough and seem to survive, even if they don’t thrive, if deprived of regular feeding and watering. Yellowing leaves indicate a poor diet yet a starved shrub always manages to produce lovely flowers. If yellowing persists despite a good feeding regime apply a side dressing of Trace elements. This will green up the leaves quickly. They tolerate strong winds and branches don’t break easily but protect from damaging salt spray.
Prune after flowering to keep tidy. The taller growing varieties can easily be clipped to remain under 2ms.
Camellia Sasanquas grow and flower in full sun or part shade the best flowering occurs in full sun. Generally Sasanquas produce so many flowers at one time that the bushes are smothered to give an eye stopping display. Old flowers drop cleanly to be replaced by the next wave of flowers.
The exception is the old variety Mine-no-yuki. This beautiful smaller growing semi weeping variety produces semi double flowers with lots of petals that seem to trap rain which browns the flowers. This autumn, being fairly dry, has been perfect for this variety and I have never seen it so lovely with its weeping branches of pristine white flowers.
Now is the time to buy these shrubs as they are flowering in your local garden centres. I have listed my top favourites but there are so many to choose from.
Camellia sas. Paradise Helen
Bright pink buds open to double pure white flowers of excellent substance. A tall vigorous grower ideal for hedging. 4ms
Camellia sas Paradise Joan
Large glowing cerise red flowers with golden stamens. Willowy stems ideal for espaliering. 4ms
Camellia Sas Setsugeka
Large single white flowers with a central boss of golden stamens. A tall vigorous grower ideally suited for hedging. 4ms.
Camellia sas Plantation Pink
Large single paler pink flowers with a central boss of stamen. Tall vigorous grower ideal for hedging.
Camellia sas Paradise Petite
A mass of pale pink informal double flowers. Small leaves and compact growing. Ideal as a low hedge or for a container. 1m
Camellia sas Paradise Blush
Deep pink buds open to pure white with a pink reverse. A lovely flower form. Vigorous upright grower suited as a hedge. 4ms.
Camellia sas Paradise Belinda
Large flowers of glowing cerise red with golden stamens. A vigorous upright grower ideal for hedging. 4ms
Camellia sas Paradise Little Liane
A mass of small pure white informal double flowers. Small leaves and narrow growth habit. Can be trained as a small standard. 1m.
Camellia sas Paradise Baby Jane
Very small cupped white flowers with pink edges. Forms a neat rounded bush, slow growing ideal for containers. 60cms.
Camellia sas Yuletide
Single scarlet red flowers with a central boss of golden stamens. A very compact pyramidal grower flowering for months. Ideal for containers. 1.5ms
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