Camellia sasanqua

Growing Camellia sasanqua in NZ

Growing Camellia sasanqua in New Zealand is a rewarding endeavour for garden enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty and elegance of this versatile plant. Known for their glossy leaves and stunning flowers, Camellia sasanquas add a touch of sophistication to any garden. In these articles, we'll explore how to care for these plants, when they flower, and the best practices for them in New Zealand's climate.

Popular Camellia Sasanqua Varieties

There are numerous Sasanqua camellia cultivars available, each offering unique flower colors, shapes, and sizes. Some popular choices include:

• Camellia 'Setsugekka': Masses of white flowers in autumn and spring, compact growth habit.
• Camellia 'Early Pearly': White flowers that take on the slightest of pink tones as they age.
• Camellia 'Yuletide': Bright red, single flowers, blooms heavily in winter.

These are just a few of the many beautiful Camellia Sasanqua varieties available. With their diverse range of flower colors, shapes, and sizes, there's sure to be a perfect Camellia to add charm and fragrance to your garden.

Growing Camellia sasanqua

Camellia sasanqua thrives in temperate climates like New Zealand's, especially in areas with mild winters and cool summers. They prefer a location with full sun or partial shade and one that is sheltered from wind.

Soil Requirements

• For optimal growth, plant your Camellia sasanqua in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost to improve the soil structure and health.

Planting Camellia sasanqua

• The best time to plant Camellia sasanquas in New Zealand is during the cooler months of autumn through until late spring. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
• Gently remove the plant from its container, taking care not to disturb the roots excessively. Place it in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Watering

• Consistent watering is crucial for the successful growth of Camellia sasanqua. During the first few years, ensure the plant receives regular watering, especially during dry spells. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

Fertilizing

• Knowing when to fertilize sasanqua camellias is key to their health and vigour. The best time to fertilize is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Use fertiliser for acid loving plants and apply liberally across the soil surface.

Pruning

• Pruning Camellia sasanqua helps maintain their shape and encourages more blooms. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, which allows new growth to set buds for the following season. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.

Common Pests and Diseases

• Camellia sasanquas are generally hardy plants, but they can occasionally be affected by pests and diseases. Watch out for common issues such as aphids and scale insect. These can be easily managed with insecticides. Camellia Petal Blight is a fungal disease causes flowers to turn brown and drop prematurely. Remove affected blooms and improve air circulation to reduce the spread.

Camellia sasanqua Care

Camellia sasanqua care is all about knowing what to do in each season. Even though they are low maintenance plants, they will benefit from the attention you provide.

Winter is the perfect time for mulching around your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with an organic mulch.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life and flower buds begin to open. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our fertiliser for acid loving plants will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but it will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken daily on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet. Summer is also the season when varieties that have finished flowering should be trimmed if this is required. Please refer to our section on pruning and trimming for details on how to do this correctly.

Caring for sasanqua Camellias in autumn is all about finishing any trimming and keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Check the plants for any pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking a little bit unusual at any time of year, refer to our section on dealing with issues for a solution.

When Do Sasanqua Camellias Bloom?

One of the most attractive features of Camellia sasanqua is their flowering period. In New Zealand, these plants typically bloom from late autumn to early winter, a time when most other garden plants are not in flower. Their blooms can last for several weeks, adding a burst of colour to the garden when it is needed most.