Camellia sasanquas originated in the forests of Japan as shrubs or small trees. Growing in sun or under a forest canopy, they are variable in growth habit and leaf size and have a small single white flower with the occasional soft pink bloom.

Over the centuries the best forms were introduced into Japanese gardens and by the early 1900’s the colour range had extended from white through to deep red with both double and single flowers.

In time the best Japanese varieties made their way around the world. Many local varieties were then developed.

Today they are one of the most versatile shrubs available to gardeners, and are used as screens, formal hedges, espaliers, columnar forms framing gates and entrances, as groundcovers, and container plants adorning terraces and patios. They typically have deep green glossy foliage and cover a wide range of growth habits, size, and flower forms and colours.
 

Hedges

With evergreen glossy foliage and blooms that are produced profusely for three months each year, camellia sasanquas are a perfect hedging choice for gardeners.

Not all varieties of sasanquas are suitable for hedges as some have a more open habit of growth.

We recommend the following varieties:

For a low hedge less than half a metre

Paradise Petite
soft pink double

Paradise Petite
hedge

For a hedge between a half and one metre

Paradise Little Liane
white double

Paradise Petite
soft pink double

For a medium hedge up to three metres

For a taller hedge over three metres

Paradise Hilda
open peony pink

Pruning Hedges

With age, all camellia sasanquas can grow into small trees as seen in old gardens. However, with regular pruning they can be kept to any size – even our dwarf varieties can grow into large plants unless pruned.

The timing of when you prune camellias can significantly affect the number of blooms, as pruning at the wrong time of the year can remove your flower buds.

In most areas where sasanquas grow, plants have a spring or early summer flush of growth. This new growth in spring produces flowers in autumn, so if all this growth is removed you will end up with foliage only. Therefore from spring to summer only prune lightly to shape the bush. In most areas, if your plants are well cared for, there is another flush of growth in mid to late summer.

This growth rarely produces flowers and can be pruned off. The optimum time for heavy pruning to keep hedges at their desired size is best done after flowering in late winter.
 

Pots and Tubs

Camellia sasanquas make lovely container plants, which can be kept in pots on your veranda or balcony for many years. These plants are best pruned annually after flowering to maintain their required size.

Camellia sasanquas are ideal to espalier. Their glossy foliage and prolific flowering habit makes them a perfect plant to train fan-like against a wall, fence or lattice work. In addition, tolerance to most garden soils and aspects makes the camellia sasanqua one of the best plants to espalier. Some varieties are better than others; those with arching branches are the most desirable.

Among the Paradise varieties we recommend the following:

Paradise Little Liane
white double
(excellent topiary)

Paradise Joan
red informal double
(excellent espalier)

Paradise Petite
soft pink double
(excellent topiary)

Paradise Helen
white double

Paradise Blush
white flushed pink

Bonsai

Camellia sasanquas are often used as bonsai specimens. Our Paradise dwarf growing varieties can, with patience, grow into delightful plants.

Varieties we recommend are:

Paradise Little Liane
white double, small leafed variety with double white flowers in abundance which could be trained into a cascade bonsai

Paradise Petite
most delightful soft pink double blooms which cover the plant in autumn

Enjoy!

© 2001 Liddle Wonder Ltd
Pictures and information intended as a guide only - Apply local knowledge and advice.