Camellia hiemalis ‘Chansonette’

Fast-growing, Camellia hiemalis ‘Chansonette’ is one of the most popular of the Camellia hiemalis cultivars thanks to its outstanding bushy growth and long-lasting, medium-sized, rich lavender-pink flowers, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm). As the formal double blooms open, their frilled petals reveal small central stamens. They are produced over a fairly long period in the early season (October – January in the Northern Hemisphere; March – June in the Southern Hemisphere), in such profusion that this splendid camellia becomes one of the glories of the fall garden when in full bloom. The foliage of glossy, dark green leaves with toothed margins is evergreen. The rambling and short, pendulous habit of its branches makes ‘Chansonette a fabulous garden subject for a colorful espalier or groundcover.

• A fast grower, this medium-sized evergreen shrub has a spreading habit and grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 8 ft. wide (240 cm)
• Won the US Ralph Peers sasanqua Award
• A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from the early morning sun and from the direct hot summer afternoon sun.
• May be attacked by aphids, scale insects, and vine weevil
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant and may be effectively grown in tubs or large containers.
• Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark)
• Prune after flowering. Prune to thin branching and control size and shape.

Camellia sasanqua is one of the loveliest fall flowers, graceful in form, tender in color, and pleasing in fragrance. As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, this camellia opens with aplomb during the camellia season. The flowers, mostly single or semi-double, are not quite as large and showy as those of Camellia japonica, but they are born in such profusion that a camellia sasanqua in full bloom becomes one of the glories of the fall garden. Never bigger than 3-4 in. (7-10 cm), the scented blooms feature fluted, ruffled petals and range from white through to deep pink. Each flower only lasts a couple of days before it drops its petals which makes them ill-suited for cutting. The elegant and open habit of Camellia sasanqua allows them to blend beautifully with other shrubs, without dominating the way the larger leaved, denser growing camellia japonica do. Faster growing than Camellia japonica, this broadleaved, evergreen shrub may grow from 18 in. (45 cm) up to 12 feet (360 cm). Camellia sasanqua shrubs are more sun tolerant than Camellia japonica and are slightly more cold-hardy (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 9).