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Sasanqua camellias are sure to please. They are the earliest flowering variety producing single or semi double slightly fragrant flowers. The leaves are small, and flowers are more resistant to petal blight due to their early flowering season. Sasanqua camellias are sun tolerant and slightly drought tolerant. These camellias are suited to hedges and espalier.
When to Plant
- Camellias are available throughout the year but the best time to plant is from early winter to early spring before the new growth appears.
Where to Plant
- In their natural habitat camellias grow under the forest canopy where their roots are cool and moist, catching rays of light. Plant in shade to filtered sunlight. Some varieties will tolerate sun.
- Plant in a moist well drained lime free (acid) soil that has plenty of compost and organic material dug in before planting. Raise beds in clay soil to improve drainage.
How to Plant
- Before planting water the plant well. Place a few handfuls of sheep pellets into the hole first.
Feeding
- Take care when fertilising camellias as they have shallow surface roots. Use Camellia , Rhododendron,& Azalea food once flowering has finished and new growth starts. This helps next year’s flowers develop. Water in well.
Mulching
- Apply a layer of mulch in late winter and again in January. Keep mulch away from the stem.
Watering
- Camellias require plenty of water when new growth appears after flowering has finished. Deep watering is more effective than light sprinklings.
Pruning
- Camellias have a natural compact growth habit and do not require regular pruning unless being grown as a hedge or topiary.
Plant Protection
- Thrips are small black sucking insects that cause speckled silvery leaves. Spray with Mavrik or Confidor.
- Mites are minute sucking insects found on the underside of leaves that cause distortion, speckling and silvering of leaves. Spray with Mavrik, or Mite Killer.
- Aphids are small sucking insects on new growth. Control with Mavrik or Confidor .
- Scale Insects suck the plants sap and appear as small brown lumps on the stems and foliage. Spray with Conqueror Oil and Confidor.
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