Showa-No-Sakae Sasanqua Camellia

Description

A profusion of 3" wide, medium pink, semi-double to rose form flowers often showing a boss of gold tipped stamens with occasional white accents on the petals are produced over an extended period early in the season or October to December. Showa-No-Sakae Sasanqua Camellia is a moderately vigorous, medium to large evergreen shrub with a moderately dense branching habit and medium texture,deep green glossy foliage. Like most of the Sasanquas, these are exceptional shrubs for the garden and landscape and can easily be maintained as formal hedges, as specimens, or informal groupings. The Sasanquas are much more tolerant of full sun and less than ideal soils than are the Large Flowered Japonicas. For optimum growth and vigor provide an acidic, fertile soil with average or better drainage and average moisture. An organic mulch is highly recommended for all Camellias.

The small leaved Sasanqua Camellias make excellent landscape or container plants and are much more tolerant of sun and soil conditions than the larger flowered Japonica Camellias. These durable evergreen shrubs cover themselves in 2-3" flowers in fall and early winter and before the flowers fade the petals fall individually to form a colorful blanket beneath the dark glossy green foliage. These dwarf Camellias are amenable to pruning and shearing which should be done in spring. Sasanquas do appreciate a humus-rich soil, an organic mulch, and average moisture until well-established.For more on growing Sasanqua Camellias read Dr. Allen Owings', an LSU AgCenter Horticulturist, article titled "Sasanquas, Dwarf Camellias Add Color to Early-Winter Landscapes". Or check out ourGuide to Planting & Growing Camellias.