Designing a Garden With Winter Camellias
Camellia sasanqua is a hardy, easy-care evergreen shrub that deserves a place in every garden. The moderate growth habit means that they can be grown in containers and enjoyed for multiple seasons, or planted into existing landscapes around mature trees and shrubs.
The abundant flowers of Winter Camellia are extremely popular with overwintering Anna’s hummingbirds, regardless of their color.When a Camellia is in bloom, there is almost always a hummingbird nearby! In addition to the sweet nectar found in each flower, the bright yellow, pollen-dusted stamens in the center of each bloom also provide protein for hardy pollinators out foraging on mild, sunny winter days.
Winter Camellias in the Landscape
A single specimen can be tucked into virtually any corner of the garden to brighten that area when Winter arrives. Used en-masse, Winter-blooming Camellias make an unexpected and attractive hedge that fades into the background in the summer months but takes center stage when other plants are dormant. Easily pruned after flowers fade, Camellia sasanqua are frequently formed into espaliers or shaped to look like small trees.
Winter Camellias in Containers
Plant a single Winter Camellias in a pot to act as an evergreen and low-maintenance container planting. The Camellia will live happily in the container for multiple seasons with little care required beyond watering and a bit of organic fertilizer.
Camellias also make the perfect “thriller” centerpiece to a large container planting in combination textural grasses and annuals. They will act as a splashy centerpiece in Winter, and then provide upright growth and structure to act as a backdrop to flashy Spring and Summer annual combinations. At any point, Camellias can be removed from the container scheme and transplanted out in the landscape.
Winter Camellias as Cut Flowers
ThoughCamellia sasanquaflowers don’t last very long once cut, the glossy green foliage and sturdy buds are a lovely addition to any floral arrangement.
Best Companion Plants for Winter Camellias
Magnolias, Japanese Maples, Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Hosta, Hellebores, Ferns, Heuchera, Carex (Sedge), Japanese Forest Grass, Spring-flowering bulbs
