Camellias for Fall Flowers

Fall Gardening Tasks

• Plant King Alfred daffodil bulbs for spring blooms.
• Transplant shrubs and native plants this month.
• Broadcast wildflower seeds and annual ryegrass on hillsides to prevent erosion and promote spring flowers.
• Compost falling leaves to create garden mulch for next season.
• Cut asparagus foliage down to two inches above ground once it has died.
• Mulch asparagus beds with three inches of well-rotted manure.

Camellias for Fall Flowers

Camellias are known for their large, spring-blooming flowers, particularly Camellia japonica. However, their lesser-known cousin, Camellia sasanqua, offers stunning fall and winter color displays.

Characteristics of Camellia Sasanqua

• Varies from tall, bushy shrubs to low, spreading varieties, suitable for hedges, containers, or ground cover.
• Flowers are smaller but bloom profusely, extending the blooming season from November through May when planted alongside Camellia japonica.
• Generally open and informal in habit; some varieties have pliable stems and can be espaliered on fences or trellises.
• Size ranges from 2-5 feet tall and wide; compact varieties like ‘Yuletide’ are upright.
• Flowers are 2-3 inches across, available in single, semidouble, or double forms with bright yellow stamens.
• Petals range in color from pale shell pink, rich rose, and vibrant white to fiery red.
• Flowers are short-lived but continuously replaced, often with a sweet scent.
• Glossy, dark green foliage provides winter contrast.

Planting and Care

• Can be planted in sun or shade but avoid intense heat and reflected light.
• Suitable for containers; some varieties work as ground cover.
• Plant carefully: dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and 1 inch shallower.
• Mix one part compost with three parts native soil; fill around the root ball without covering its top.
• Ensure the root ball sticks up 1 inch above ground level for proper drainage and root aeration.
• Mulch around the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Prefers rich, organic, acidic soil and filtered shade, similar to rhododendrons and azaleas.
• Tolerates considerable sun if kept moist through summer.

Consider adding fall-blooming camellias to enhance your winter landscape.