Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’

Vigorous and elegant, Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ is beloved for its large, 4 in. wide (10 cm), sparkling white, semi-double flowers. The petals are strongly undulated and crimped. A boss of golden stamens crowns the heart of the flower. The blooms are produced over a fairly long period in early to mid-season, in such profusion that this exquisite camellia always creates a gorgeous sight in full bloom. The foliage of glossy, dark green leaves is evergreen and makes a wonderful backdrop for foundation plantings or as an espalier.

• This medium-sized evergreen shrub has an upright, dense, semi-weeping habit with arching and cascading branches. It grows up to 8-10 ft. tall and wide (240-300 cm)
• A full sun to 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 the direct hot summer afternoon sun.
• It 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, espaliers, 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. Still, 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 but slightly less cold-hardy (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 9).