Plant Picks: Shi Shi Camellia

The Shi Shi Camellia is a gorgeous shrub with vibrant, hot pink blooms, golden yellow stamens, and glossy green foliage. It's a beautiful accent plant in any yard and, as a fall and winter bloomer, it's perfect for otherwise dull winter landscapes.

Shi shi camellia, or camellia sasanqua, along with camellia vernalis and camellia hiemalis, are the mid-season blooming varieties of this pretty plant. You can expect to see those gorgeous bright pink flowers as early as October and they may last as long as January. The dark green leaves are beautiful all year round.

Camellia is perfect for forming hedges, using in mass plantings, or adding a splash of color to wooded gardens. It can also be used as a front-of-the-border feature, to sit beneath windows. This ornamental shrub can even be planted in containers to decorate your porch and add curb appeal.

This evergreen shrub grows 4 to 5 feet tall, and 6 to 8 feet wide. Sasanqua camellias are suited to warmer regions and can tolerate several hours of full sun, but do better with some afternoon shade.

The best season for planting Shi Shi Camellias is November to February, so the roots can be established before the summer heat. Camellia can cope with cold temperatures but does need to be sheltered from chill winds. When caring for this plant, good drainage is vital, as it needs to be watered frequently when newly planted and during any hot dry spells.

Sasanqua Camellias need acidic soil, as they require iron and other nutrients in order to thrive. This makes them a great pick for the sandy soil yards often found across Florida. They have a fairly slow growth rate but will need careful pruning as their size increases to remove dead wood and keep them under control. IFAS has many more tips and details on caring for your Shi Shi Camellias.

Producing beautiful blooms and glossy foliage without an abundance of maintenance, sasanqua camellias work beautifully and reliably in almost any yard. Adding them to your Florida landscape will give you a beautiful pop of color for years to come! For more information on planting or caring for these wonderful plants, contact the friendly professionals at LawnMore.

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