When most of the garden winds down for winter, camellias hit their stride. From autumn through spring they deliver rose like flowers against deep glossy foliage, hedge beautifully, and live for generations. The single most useful thing to know is the difference between the two main types, because it decides where each one thrives.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Camellia sasanqua and Camellia japonica |
| Type | Evergreen flowering shrub |
| Height | 1.5 to 5m depending on variety |
| Position | Sasanquas take sun; japonicas prefer dappled shade |
| Soil | Moist, well drained, acidic |
| Flowers | Autumn to spring |
| Climate | All temperate and subtropical Australia |
Sasanqua or japonica?
Sasanquas flower autumn into winter, tolerate full sun, grow faster and make superb hedges. Japonicas flower winter into spring with larger, more formal blooms, and prefer morning sun or dappled shade with shelter from hot afternoons.
Best sasanquas for hedging and sun
Yuletide from $16.95 covers itself in single red flowers with gold stamens right at Christmas. Setsugekka is the classic white for formal hedges from $14.95, Jennifer Susan brings soft pink, and Shell Pink suits informal screens.
Best japonicas for shade and show
Black Tie bears small formal double red blooms of remarkable elegance from $15.95. Drama Girl produces huge semi double pink flowers, and Man Size is the advanced specimen for instant structure.
Planting
Soil: Camellias want acidic soil rich in organic matter, the same as azaleas. In alkaline areas grow them in pots with camellia and azalea mix.
Position: Shelter japonicas from hot westerly sun, which bleaches flowers and scorches leaves. Sasanquas are far more forgiving.
Spacing for hedges: 80cm to 1m apart for sasanqua hedges gives a solid screen within three to four years.
Planting depth: Plant slightly proud of the soil level; buried trunks invite rot.
Ongoing care
Watering: Shallow rooted, so mulch well and never let young plants dry right out. Deep weekly water in dry spells.
Feeding: Camellia and azalea food after flowering finishes, and again in midsummer. Never lime the bed.
Pruning: Straight after flowering, before summer bud set. Sasanqua hedges take regular clipping happily; japonicas need only light shaping.
Common problems
Buds dropping unopened: Water stress while buds were forming in summer, or sudden temperature swings. Mulch and consistent moisture prevent it.
Yellow leaves: Soil too alkaline or waterlogged. Check pH first.
Balloon like distorted leaves: Camellia leaf gall on sasanquas. Pick off and bin affected leaves; it is cosmetic.
Scale and sooty mould: Horticultural oil under the leaves in the cool of the day.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do camellia hedges grow?
Sasanquas put on 30 to 45cm a year with feeding, forming a dense 2m hedge in about four years.
Can camellias handle full sun?
Sasanqua varieties yes, in most of Australia. Japonicas prefer protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Do camellias grow in pots?
Beautifully, and pots solve alkaline soil problems. Repot every three years and feed after flowering.
Why are my camellia flowers turning brown?
Weathered blooms in rain or petal blight in humid regions. Rake fallen flowers away to break the blight cycle.
Ready to plant?
Explore our full range through the flowering plants collection or plan a mixed screen from the privacy and screening range. Every plant is covered by our 30 day guarantee.
