Camellias: Sasanqua vs. Japonica

 

Camellias are beautiful evergreen shrubs that provide gorgeous flowers during a time of year when relatively few other landscape plants are blooming. Depending on the type and variety, their flowering season can begin in fall and continue through winter or early spring.

With glossy evergreen foliage and showy blooms, camellias can become a standout feature in the landscape year-round.

 

 
 

Sasanqua vs. Japonica Camellias

 

There are many species and varieties of camellias, but two of the most popular landscape types are Camellia sasanqua and Camellia japonica.

Both offer beautiful flowers and evergreen foliage, but their size, bloom season, flowers, and preferred growing conditions can be different.

 
 

Camellia Sasanqua

 

Camellia sasanqua generally begins blooming earlier in the season, with many varieties flowering from fall into early winter. Exact bloom times vary by variety and weather conditions.

Sasanquas tend to have smaller leaves and flowers than Japonicas and can tolerate more sun. Here in East Texas, however, protection from intense afternoon sun can still be beneficial.

Mature size varies considerably by variety, with some remaining relatively compact and others developing into large shrubs or small trees. Their flowers are typically smaller than Japonica blooms and are available in single, semi-double, and double forms.

 

 
 

Camellia Japonica

 

Camellia japonica generally flowers later than Sasanqua, with many varieties blooming during winter and into early spring.

Japonicas typically prefer partial shade or filtered light and protection from hot afternoon sun. They can eventually become large shrubs or small trees, although mature size depends on the particular variety and growing conditions.

Their large, spectacular flowers are one of their biggest attractions. Depending on the variety, blooms can be single, semi-double, formal double, or other beautiful forms.

 

 
 

Beautiful Winter Color

 

Camellia flowers are commonly found in shades of white, pink, and red, ranging from soft blush and shell pink to deep rose and brilliant red. There are also striped, variegated, and multicolored selections.

Planting varieties with different bloom times can extend your camellia season and provide beautiful flowers throughout much of the cooler part of the year.

 
 

Caring for Camellias

 

Camellias are relatively slow-growing evergreens that prefer well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Keep newly planted camellias consistently watered while their root systems become established, but avoid locations where the soil remains waterlogged.

If pruning is needed, it is generally best done soon after flowering so you don’t accidentally remove developing flower buds for the following season. Heavy pruning usually isn’t necessary when a camellia has been given enough room to reach its natural mature size.

Fertilize according to the needs of the plant and the directions on a fertilizer labeled for acid-loving plants. Avoid automatically feeding on a fixed schedule or overfertilizing, which can damage roots and encourage excessive growth.

 

 
 

Watch for Scale

 

Camellias can occasionally develop scale insects, which may appear as small bumps or crusty patches on leaves and stems. Yellowing foliage, declining plant vigor, or visible insects on the undersides of leaves can be signs of a problem.

Rather than treating automatically every year, inspect your plants regularly and treat when a pest is actually present. Horticultural oils and other products labeled for scale on camellias may be options depending on the type of scale and time of year. Always follow the product label carefully.

 
 

Enjoy Camellias for Months

 

Consider adding camellias to your landscape if you haven’t already. By choosing a combination of Sasanqua and Japonica varieties with different bloom times, you can enjoy beautiful camellia flowers from fall through winter and into spring.