Paradise Glow Camellia

Paradise Glow Camellia (Camellia sasanqua 'Paradise Glow') is a vigorous, slender evergreen shrub, about 3m tall and 2m wide, that carries masses of large, single, mid-pink flowers with golden centres from late autumn into early winter. As a sasanqua it has smaller leaves and denser foliage than a japonica, which suits hedges, screens and large pots.

Why you'll love it

• Big pink flowers with golden centres. Single blooms open in huge numbers over the cooler months, when little else in the garden is flowering.
• Slender and vigorous. The upright, narrow profile is ideal for hedging, and growth is strong once it is established.
• Denser and more sun tolerant. Sasanquas have smaller leaves and denser foliage than japonicas, take more sun and flower earlier.
• Versatile. It can be a screen, a hedge, an espalier on a wall, a feature plant or a large pot specimen.
• Safe around pets. Camellias are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Flowering hedges and screens. Plant 90cm apart in a row for a dense evergreen screen that flowers through winter. Sasanquas typically knit into a dense hedge in about four years.

Feature planting and espaliers. Train it flat against a wall or fence, or give it a prominent spot where the winter blooms can be enjoyed from the house.

Large pots. In a pot at least 40cm across, filled with acidic potting mix, it makes a bold courtyard plant and sidesteps alkaline soil problems.

Growing Paradise Glow Camellia in Australia

Position and climate. Give it sun for part of the day, morning or afternoon, with some shade, and keep it out of strong wind and exposed sites. Sasanquas cope with warmer, humid gardens better than japonica camellias, and they also grow well in cooler southern districts.

Soil. Free draining soil enriched with organic matter suits it. Camellias like acid soil, so work in a potting mix rich in humus at planting time. Plant slightly high, because camellias are shallow rooted.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, particularly through summer when next season's buds are forming. Fertilise in spring with a camellia and azalea fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune only as needed, straight after flowering. Next year's buds form on spring and summer growth, so a late prune removes them.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Paradise Glow Camellia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Camellias are not instant plants, so a tube is the start of a hedge that builds over several seasons. Plants travel upright and settle within a couple of weeks.

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
• Hedging and screening plants
• Plants safe for pets
• Camellia bushes: varieties, growing and care

Common questions

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves with green veins usually mean alkaline soil is locking up iron. Apply iron chelate and improve the soil with organic matter, and avoid garden lime nearby.

Can it take full sun?

Sasanquas tolerate more sun than japonicas in most of Australia. A spot with morning or afternoon sun is ideal, with shelter from hot, drying wind.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

About 90cm apart. Closer spacing crowds the plants, and wider spacing takes longer to close the gaps.