One of the prettiest and most often overlooked shrubs to plant
for late fall and winter color is the Camellia sasanqua.
One of the prettiest and most often overlooked shrubs to plant for late fall and winter color is the Camellia sasanqua. This cousin of the commonly planted Camellia japonica is more sun tolerant (full morning sun) and depending on the variety makes an excellent gracefully branching ground cover or espaliered shrub, informal hedge as well as a good container plant.
You might also plant sasanquas under trees to give color to otherwise green backdrops.
This is an excellent time to choose sasanquas because you will actually see the color and shape of the flower. The varieties listed below are some of the more popular and best performing ones.
Not only are they covered with hundreds of flowers during the fall and winter but the dark green evergreen foliage is a plus for any garden.
• Yuletide Brilliant, fiery red, single blooms centered with bright yellow stamens. Upright. Late blooming.
• Apple Blossom has vivid cerise red coloring that edges the white petals of these large single blossoms. The crown of golden stamens adds lovely contrast. Upright growth pattern and blooms in mid season.
• Bonanza is a semi-double to peony form bloom of rich scarlet enriched by contrast of the bright yellow stamen. Low spreader. Early bloomer.
• Hana Jiman Large, semi-double white bloom, petals tipped with pink. Upright growth. Blooms mid season.
• Jean May Large, shell pink with double blossoms. Upright. Mid season bloomer.
• Setsugekka Large, semi-double blooms, white ruffled petals and showy yellow stamens. Upright growth. Mid Season.
• Shishi Gashira Semi-double to peony form, lovely soft pink blooms. Low spreader. Early season blooming.
• White Doves White semi-double to loose peony form. Spreader. Mid season.
– California Association of Nurseries
and Garden Centers
