Shishi Gashira Camellia

Shishi Gashira Camellia settles in best when planted in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with protection from harsh afternoon sun. Here's how to get it established.

Planting

1. Unbox right away. Remove all packaging, water the root ball, and set the plant in bright, indirect light for a day or two before planting.
2. Pick a shaded spot. Choose a site with filtered sun, partial sun, partial shade, or full shade, ideally sheltered from drying wind.
3. Dig wide, not deep. Make the hole two to three times the width of the root ball and exactly as deep, so the top of the root ball sits slightly above grade.
4. Improve the soil. Mix compost or a peat-based amendment into the backfill to boost drainage and acidity.
5. Backfill and water in. Firm the soil gently around the roots, then water deeply to remove air pockets.
6. Mulch the surface. Add 2 to 3 inches of pine bark or pine straw, kept an inch away from the trunk.

Watering

• Check before you water. Water when the top 3 inches of soil is dry.
• Water deeply. Soak the root zone rather than sprinkling lightly, especially through the first year.
• Don't let it sit wet. Camellias need consistent moisture but will decline in soggy soil, so make sure drainage is good.

Feeding

• Feed after blooming. Apply a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants once flowering finishes.
• Follow the label. Avoid over-feeding, which pushes soft growth at the expense of buds.
• Skip late-season feeding. Stop fertilizing well before cold weather arrives.

Pruning

• Prune right after flowering. Next season's buds form in summer, so shape the plant as soon as blooms fade.
• Shear for hedges. Light shearing keeps a low hedge tidy and dense.
• Train for espalier. Tie flexible young branches to a wall support or trellis and remove growth that points outward.

Container Care

• Use an acidic mix. Choose a well-draining potting mix made for azaleas and camellias.
• Size up the pot. Pick a container at least a few inches wider than the root ball with open drainage holes.
• Water more often. Pots dry faster than ground beds, so check the top 3 inches regularly.

When does Shishi Gashira Camellia bloom?

It is an early to mid-season sasanqua camellia, so it typically flowers in fall and can continue into early winter in mild climates. Blooms are hot pink, semi-double, with golden yellow centers.

How much sun does it need?

It performs well in filtered sun, partial sun, partial shade, and even full shade. In hot climates, protect it from intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

How big does it get?

Expect a moderate growth rate to about 4 to 5 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, which makes it much wider than tall and ideal for low hedges and groundcover use.

Can I grow it in a container?

Yes. Use a large pot with drainage holes and an acidic, well-draining potting mix. Container plants dry out faster, so check that the top 3 inches of soil is dry before watering.

When should I prune it?

Prune immediately after flowering finishes. Flower buds for the next season form during summer, so late pruning removes the coming display.

Are the flowers good for cutting?

Yes, the blooms are excellent for cutting. Short stems and single flowers also look great floated in a shallow bowl of water.