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ShiShi Gashira Camellia -- Louisiana Super Plant Fall 2010

Regina P. Bracy, Owings, Allen D.

ShiShi Gashira Camellia

Every garden should have a ShiShi Gashira camellia.

This camellia is known for its beautiful flowers and long blooming season. Dark pink flowers 2-3 inches across are produced in abundance from October to early January.

The ShiShi Gashira camellia is a slow-growing shrub that can reach 5 feet tall but is more typically around 3 feet. It is often called a dwarf sasanqua because it is smaller-growing than typical sasanquas. The flowers and foliage are similar to sasanquas, and they bloom at the same time.

But ShiShi Gashira actually belongs to a different species called Camellia hiemalis. It is one of the most widely planted and popular camellias for Louisiana landscapes and has been used successfully around the state for decades.

The compact growth habit and slow rate of growth make ShiShi Gashira an excellent choice for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, containers and basically anywhere a smaller shrub is needed.

It truly would be hard to find a finer, more attractive and reliable, low-growing shrub for Louisiana landscapes.

Growing Information:

  • Evergreen shrub.
  • Full sun to part shade.
  • Grows 4'-5' tall by 4'-5' wide.
  • Space 3'-4' apart.
  • Good drainage is essential. Do not plant in areas that are poorly drained or where water settles after a rain – plant in raised beds if drainage is a problem.
  • Camellias are acid-loving plants, and alkaline soils (pH above 7) can limit their ability to obtain some nutrients from the soil, especially iron.
  • Feed ShiShi Gashira camellias in the spring as new growth begins, about March or early April.
  • Provide adequate water – especially during hot, dry spells during the summer and for newly planted shrubs during their first year in the ground.

ShiShi Gashira Camellia

1/27/2010 1:03:03 AM
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