Little Pearl Camellia

Little Pearl Camellia (Camellia sasanqua 'Little Pearl') is not so little: an evergreen shrub that reaches about 3m high and 2m wide, with medium-large double flowers whose petals shade from pink on the outside to white at the centre. They open over a long period from late autumn into early winter. As a sasanqua it is more sun tolerant and better suited to warm, humid gardens than a japonica, which makes it a good hedge, screen or tub plant.

Why you'll love it

• Pink to white petals. Flowers shade from deep pink at the edge to pure ice white in the centre, with a ruffled, layered look.
• A long cool season show. Flowering runs over an extended period in late autumn and early winter, when the garden needs colour.
• Built for warmth. Sasanquas are more sun tolerant, flower earlier and do better in warmer, more humid gardens than japonicas.
• Fine, dense leaves. Smaller leaves and denser foliage than a japonica make a thicker hedge.
• Gentle around pets. Camellias are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Informal evergreen hedging. Plant 90cm apart in a single row. The shrubs close into a dense, informal hedge over several seasons and flower through the colder months.

Large tubs. In a big container it gives a patio or entry a long season of flowers, and the dense foliage looks neat all year.

Borders and espaliers. Use it at the back of a garden border, or train it flat against a wall or fence to save space.

Growing Little Pearl Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. Sunny or partly shaded, with morning or afternoon sun, and shelter from strong winds and exposed sites. Sasanquas suit warmer districts well, so Little Pearl is a camellia for subtropical and warm temperate gardens as well as cooler ones.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil with a neutral to acid pH, rich in organic matter. A humus rich potting mix added at planting time helps.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, particularly through summer while next season's buds develop. Fertilise in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering, and only if needed to shape it. Pruning later removes the buds for next season.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Little Pearl Camellia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical start for a long hedge, while the 200mm plants give you a more established shrub from the first season. Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our full camellia range
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Plants for pots and containers
• Camellia bushes: varieties, growing and care

Common questions

Why is it called Little Pearl if it grows to 3m?

The name suggests a small plant, but it describes a delicate flower rather than the size of the shrub, which reaches about 3m high and 2m wide. Give it room.

Does it suit a warm, humid garden?

Yes. As a sasanqua it handles warm, humid conditions and more sun than a japonica, which makes it a good camellia for subtropical gardens.

When does it flower?

Over a long period in late autumn and early winter, a little ahead of the japonica camellias.