Winter Camellia Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza'
ABOUT
The 'Bonanza' is a variety of the well-loved sasanqua, a plant cherished for its beautiful flowers and glossy green foliage. This particular cultivar is notable for its stunning floral display. Its blossoms are a vibrant, deep pink that tends to draw the eye. The petals are plentiful and have a ruffled edge, giving each flower a lush, full appearance. They form in clusters, contributing to a showy performance when the plant is in full bloom. Amidst the blooms, the sasanqua's foliage presents a striking contrast with its leaves being dark green, leathery, and quite smooth to the touch. The leaves are also somewhat elliptical in shape with a pointed tip, and they are held on sturdy, sleek branches that complement the overall elegance of the plant. During its flowering season, the 'Bonanza' becomes a central point of interest in any garden due to its radiant blossoms, which can also emit a subtle, sweet fragrance. This fragrance can be particularly delightful on calm, crisp mornings. The appeal of this sasanqua cultivar extends beyond visual beauty, as it is also known for being a hardy and adaptable plant that can be a suitable choice for hedges, screens, or as a standout specimen in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Theaceae.
Synonyms
Bonanza Camellia, Winter Camellia, Autumn Camellia.
Common names
Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as sasanqua, including the variety Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many ornamental plants, it may cause mild discomfort if ingested. The most likely symptoms of ingesting parts of this plant could include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always wise to prevent ingestion of ornamental plants as a precaution, even in those not known for severe toxicity.
To pets
The sasanqua, including Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza', is generally not regarded as highly toxic to pets. However, ingesting plant material might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in animals, symptomatic of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While it is not known to be severely poisonous, it is still recommended to prevent pets from consuming this or any ornamental plants, to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Produces vibrant, peony-like blooms that add color to landscapes during the cooler seasons.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens or as a container plant due to its relatively small size compared to other Camellias.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and can thrive with basic care, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Hardiness: Resilient to cold weather, making it suitable for a range of climates where other plants might not survive.
- Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round greenery, offering a continual display of lush leaves even when not in bloom.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees, contributing to the health and diversity of the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The vibrant blooms of the Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza' can be used as a picturesque backdrop or subject for botanical photography, adding color and life to the composition.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers can be cut and added to bouquets and arrangements, providing an elegant and colorful touch to floral designs.
- Literary Inspiration: Writers and poets may use the striking beauty of the plant as inspiration for their works, evoking the themes of nature and the changing seasons.
- Educational Tool: Camellia can serve as a learning example in botany classes for plant structure, growth patterns, and reproductive processes.
- Artistic Muse: Artists may use Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza' as a subject for paintings, drawings, and other art forms, capturing its intricate form and vibrant color.
- Theme Gardens: This plant can be incorporated into Asian-themed gardens or collections focusing on plants from the Camellia genus.
- Winter Interest: Because it blooms in the cooler months, Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza' can be used to add color and life to gardens during a time when other plants may be dormant.
- Collector's Item: Enthusiasts may seek out this specific cultivar for their private collections due to its unique characteristics and beauty.
- Cultural Symbol: In certain cultural events or festivals, the Camellia may be used as a symbol or decoration to represent refinement and perfection.
- Social Media Content: Garden bloggers and influencers can feature the 'Bonanza' Camellia in their content to attract attention for its striking appearance during bloom time.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Camellia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Camellia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Admiration: Camellias generally symbolize deep respect and admiration, and the 'Bonanza' variety, with its vibrant flowers, is no exception.
- Perfection: Often given as a gift to convey the message that someone is perfect in the eyes of the giver, Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza' represents the ideal of beauty and perfection.
- Longevity and Faithfulness: In some cultures, camellias are a symbol of longevity and faithfulness, signifying the enduring nature of love. This could also be attributed to the long blooming season of 'Bonanza'.
- Love: Red camellias, like some 'Bonanza' blooms, are often associated with romantic love, expressing desire and passion.
- Affection: The camellia is a representation of affection and warm feelings, a gesture that the 'Bonanza' variety can embody when given as a gift.
WaterThe Winter Camellia should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, typically requiring about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week depending on climate and soil conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, increase the frequency of watering to support growth, but always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before adding more water. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down and it requires less moisture. Water directly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightWinter Camellia thrives in partial shade with filtered sunlight, as direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and flowers. The ideal spot provides morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light underneath the canopy of taller trees. Avoid deep shade as this will impede flowering and can cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureWinter Camellia prefers temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which are ideal for growth and flowering. It can tolerate short periods of colder temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from harsh winter winds and frost. During extremely hot weather above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may experience stress and require additional shade and watering.
PruningPruning Winter Camellia is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging vibrant blooms. Prune after flowering finishes in spring to remove dead or weak branches, thin out dense growth, and shape the plant. Do not prune late in the season as this can remove next year's flower buds. Pruning every year or two is typically sufficient for these plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bonanza Camellia requires acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A best soil mix is a blend of 50% organic material, such as peat moss or composted bark, and 50% well-draining material like coarse sand or perlite.
RepottingBonanza Camellias should be repotted every two to three years, preferably in the spring before the onset of the growing season to minimize stress and allow the plant to establish itself in the new soil.
Humidity & MistingBonanza Camellias thrive at a humidity level between 40% and 60%. They may benefit from a humidifier or pebble tray in artificially heated environments to maintain these conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, keep soil moist, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, shelter from strong winds, and mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza', commonly known as Bonanza Camellia, begins its life cycle when a fertilized seed germinates, typically in spring. During its seedling stage, the plant develops a primary root system and foliage. As it matures into a vegetative state, the Camellia establishes a more robust root system and dense, glossy green leaves. The shrub enters the flowering stage annually, often in the late fall to winter, showcasing vibrant, peony-like red blossoms. After pollination, it produces seed capsules that ripen, release seeds, and wither, at which point the cycle can restart if conditions allow. With proper care, the Bonanza Camellia can live for many years, evolving into a mature plant with a woody stem and extensive branching that continues to flower seasonally.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
One popular method for propagating the sasanqua camellia, Camellia hiemalis 'Bonanza', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done in late summer when the new growth has started to mature and stiffen slightly. You should select healthy, disease-free stems and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) portion with several leaves. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to facilitate root development. Next, the cutting is placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment, but out of direct sunlight to prevent wilting. Roots typically form within several weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
