Sasanqua Camellia, Autumn Camellia 'Leslie Ann'

C. Sasanqua 'Leslie Ann" has been successfully growing in full sun at my home for many years. It has never had any insect or disease pr...Read Moreoblems and it is always a good bloomer for me.

One of it's best attributes, in my opinion, is it's columnar growth habit. It tends to keep a very narrow profile and is an excellent choice for tight spaces.

Originating in southern Japan, this small-leafed species has given rise to many hundreds of cultivars. The most versatile camellias from ...Read Morethe landscaping point of view, the sasanquas have greatly increased in popularity recently. They are densely leafed plants that can be grown as hedges and even as street trees, and some cultivars are suited to espaliering against a wall or fence. They have small, shiny, dark green leaves and small to medium-sized, delicately fragrant, mostly single or semi-double flowers in a variety of colors, profusely borne but individually short lived. Different cultivars extend the flowering season from early fall to mid-winter. Sasanquas are faster growing and more sun tolerant than most camellias, performing better in mild climates. Among superior cultivars are "Jennifer Susan' with clear pink semi-double flowers; 'Plantation Pink', an Australian-raised cultivar with larger single, saucer-shaped, soft pink flowers, excellent for hedging; 'Paradise Belinda', semi-double with the outer stamens bearing small petal-like organs to give it an unusual effect; and 'Min-no-yuki' (syn 'White Doves'), a creamy semidouble that can be espaliered.
Zones:9-11
Cultivation:
Most camellias grow best in mild, humid climates and some species are very frost tender, but most of the cultivars are moderately frost hardy. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter and generally grow best in part-shade, though some cultivars are quite sun tolerant. Good drainage is important to prevent phytophthora root rot, but they like to be kept moist. There are many varieties suited to pot culture and camellias make handsome tub specimens. Pruning is largely unnecessary, but plants can be trimmed after flowering or cut back harder if rejuvenation is required. Propagate from cuttings in late summer or winter or by grafting.

There are two Leslie's at one of my jobs in North Carolina that have gone through two winters with maybe some temps below 20F, none below...Read More 10F yet. It has survived drought on a steep slope with only some drip irrigation. It is growing long branches now, keeping to an upright habit. The flowers are small, still abundant without nursery pumping, and somewhere between delightful and oh-wow, the white definitely white and the pink edging almost picotee on some. The leaves are smallish and staying dark green. No sign of fatleaf fungus yet, no scale either, not expected until more bulk is made--but I routinely spray all Sasanquas. So far, highly recommended.
HanaJiman is similar flower pattern twice as large with a lot of yellow, and with larger lighter green leaf.