Camelia Sasanqua

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiosperms

Family

Theaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Camellia

Species

sasanqua

Description

Camellia sasanqua, an evergreen ornamental species used in landscaping to lend elegance and uniqueness to gardens, parks, verandas and terraces; it differs from Camellia japonica mainly in its flowering period, which coincides with the autumn and winter months, bringing colour and vitality even during one of the coldest times of the year.

Variety description

Camellia sasanqua is a species that flowers in autumn and winter; in most cultivars, the flowers – unlike those of Camellia japonica – are slightly fragrant. It is an ornamental plant that can grow as a shrub or reach the size of a tree. In historic gardens, one finds shrubs, individual trees or hedges consisting entirely of camellias. It comes in a vast number of varieties, with countless types and colours of flowers. Leaf morphology also varies greatly across the different varieties and hybrids. The Sasanqua camellia has single flowers and glossy green, leathery leaves. It thrives in acidic soil rich in organic matter. It can also be grown in pots, planters and on terraces.

Curiosities and special features

With its bright blooms, it takes centre stage in so-called ‘winter gardens’; furthermore, the oil extracted from its seeds, which is rich in oleic acid, is used in cosmetics.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to the geographical range extending from southern Japan to the Ryukyu Islands. Today, it is found in a wide variety of cultivars and hybrids.

Leaf

The leathery, evergreen leaves have an oval lamina with a slightly toothed margin.

Leaf colour

A solid colour, a deep, glossy dark green that brings out the spectacular blooms.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.5 to 4 m, depending on the growing conditions.

Lifespan

Shrub, or under certain environmental growing conditions tree, polyennial evergreen.

Where to plant

Versatile, it gives a unique and distinctive accent to flower beds, gardens and parks, large flower beds and street roundabouts, and large pots. During flowering, it adds colour and elegance to your outdoor green spaces at times of year when not many ornamental species flower.

Stem

The stem is woody with smooth bark.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small to medium in size, with a star-shaped corolla. It flowers from early autumn to late winter, with a flowering period of between 20 and 50 days.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an upright habitus, becoming a focal point of high landscape value, reinforced by its autumn-winter flowering.

Branching

The branching is on the whole average, with a proportionate ratio of foliage to flowers.

PH

Like Camellia japonica, it is an acidophilic species that requires soil or a growing medium with an acidic pH, within the optimal range of 4.5 to 5.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-autumn or early winter, ensure the planting hole is of a suitable size, proportionate to the root system; remove weeds and large stones, and prepare the soil by adding some peat to ensure the correct pH level required by the plant.

Sun exposure

It requires partial shade to avoid excessive sunlight and potential yellowing of the leaves.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C for optimal vegetative growth; it prefers a cool climate.

Use

Due to its autumn–winter flowering – a period during which green spaces often remain bare or devoid of colour – it takes on significant landscape importance in
Outdoor ornamental settings

Hardiness

A plant of moderate hardiness; it adapts well to different soil types, and some varieties are highly resistant to low winter temperatures.

Soil

It requires acidic, fertile, well-draining soil with a good supply of organic matter. For use in pots and tubs, choose a specific soil for acidophilic plants such as azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

Difficulty

Providing the correct pH and exposure, cultivation is fairly easy with an average level of management effort.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines to achieve the best growth and flowering results:
Balanced fertilisation Prefers a cool climate Proper pruning

Combinations with other plants

Camellia sasanqua can make a striking visual impact both as a single, isolated specimen within your gardens and when combined with other acidophilic species that flower at different times of the year, creating a sense of continuity in colour and elegance.

Planting

Carry out transplanting during the winter, ensuring that the entire root ball is preserved for at least 50 cm from the base of the trunk. An average planting density of 1 plant per square metre is recommended, taking into account the tree’s growth habit and the size it will reach.

Pruning

It does not require pruning, except in exceptional cases where it has become too bushy or to give it a particular shape.

Propagation

The propagation methods to which the camellia is best suited are by cuttings, apical or knot cuttings, and by grafting.

Watering

After transplanting, water the seedling regularly to encourage it to establish itself properly in its new location. Thereafter, keep the soil or growing medium slightly moist but free from waterlogging. It requires irrigation water with an optimally acidic pH and low salinity.

Fertilising

During the spring period, apply a slow-release fertiliser specifically for acidophilic plants to the soil or substrate near the root exploration area and water after application.