Native to southern Japan and China, in its native habitat, Camellia sasanqua is found growing at high altitudes on mountain sides. This Pink version has been especially bred by plant specialists to have a neat, upright and compact shape and to be slow growing, making it ideal for growing in pots and city gardens where space is tight. It’s also really low maintenance, so it's a good choice for busy people. Rest assured that this shrub is fully hardy so can tolerate our harsh British winters.
It has dark green glossy leaves all year round and erupts into a display of large pale pink flowers in Autumn, just when everything else is starting to die back and look a bit drab. Each flower has a crown of bright yellow stamens in the centre, serving as a honeypot for pollinators at this time of year. A soft scent can be picked up in passing.
Your Camellia sasanqua Pink will need a sheltered spot, protected from cold dry winds and early morning sun. These will damage the new buds and flowers, which would be a shame given this is your plant’s prime time. After flowering you can lightly trim or prune any branches that spoil the overall look of your plant, but most years this won’t be necessary.
To give your shrub the best care and make sure it flowers its socks off, keep the soil moist - think mountainside in Japan. And if and when it comes time for repotting, be sure to use ericaceous compost, because camellias like their pH on the acidic side.
Did you know?
Camellia sasanqua Pink is a member of the tea family - but we don’t advise stewing its leaves in hot water for a brew.
Moist soil
Moderate light
Feeding
