Jennifer Susan Camellia

Jennifer Susan Camellia (Camellia sasanqua 'Jennifer Susan') earns its place twice over: soft pink flowers when little else is blooming, on a dense evergreen shrub that hedges beautifully. It grows to about 2.5m tall and 2m wide, takes more sun than most camellias, and planted 1m apart it closes into a flowering privacy screen. It is also safe around cats and dogs, which few flowering hedges can claim.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers in the quiet months. Sasanqua camellias bloom from autumn into winter, so this hedge performs exactly when the rest of the garden has finished.
• Dense enough to hedge properly. Glossy evergreen foliage from the ground up makes a genuine screen, not just a flowering shrub.
• Takes sun and coastal wind. Unlike the shade loving japonica camellias, sasanquas handle open positions, wind and salt spray, a toughness rare in this family.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can line the fence of the dog's yard without a second thought.
• Feeds the winter garden. Bees and butterflies work the flowers on mild days when little else is on offer.

Where it works best

Hedging and screening. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a dense hedge between 1.5m and 2.5m. It responds so well to trimming that formal shapes are easy to hold.

Feature planting. Left natural it makes a graceful arching shrub, or it can be espaliered flat against a wall where space is tight.

Pots and small gardens. A 500mm pot suits it for years, bringing autumn flowers to balconies and courtyards, and the compact roots are safe near paths.

Growing Jennifer Susan Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade in cool temperate, warm temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates. It is frost hardy, comfortable in humidity and tolerant of coastal exposure, which covers most Australian gardens south of the tropics. In hot inland districts, afternoon shade keeps the flowers at their best.

Soil. Slightly acidic, free draining soil enriched with compost. Camellias resent lime and waterlogging in equal measure, so on alkaline or heavy ground use a raised bed or a pot with camellia mix.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week for the first summer, then weekly in dry spells. Feed with camellia and azalea fertiliser after flowering, and mulch to keep the shallow roots cool.

Pruning. Trim immediately after flowering, before spring growth begins, and the plant sets next year's buds on the new growth. Sheared regularly it thickens into a wall of foliage.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Jennifer Susan from inexpensive tube stock through 300mm and 400mm pots to advanced 45L, 100L and occasionally 500L specimens, with the 200mm and 250mm sizes sold in multi plant packs priced for hedging runs. Tubes take three to four seasons to become a hedge; the 400mm and larger sizes arrive dense and often already budded.

Camellias travel well, though a few dropped buds in transit is normal. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Everything to know about camellia bushes
• Browse the full camellia range
• Compare hedging and screening plants
• More plants safe for pets

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row. That spacing gives a solid flowering hedge within a few seasons while leaving each plant room to develop a strong base.

When does it flower?

From autumn into early winter, with the heaviest display in mid autumn. The show runs for weeks because buds open in succession rather than all at once.

Can it grow in full sun?

Yes. Sasanquas are the sun tolerant side of the camellia family, and this variety flowers best with at least half a day of sun. Only in hot inland areas is afternoon protection worth providing.

Is it safe for pets?

Yes. Camellias are not toxic to cats or dogs, so spent flowers dropped on the lawn are a clean up job rather than a worry.