Showa-no-sakae Camellia Camellia hiemalis 'Showa-no-sakae'

Water

Autumn Camellia, commonly known as Showa-no-sakae, needs to be watered thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage root growth. Typically, this may equate to watering about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During active growth in spring and summer, watering frequency should increase, especially in dry spells, but always allow the soil to partly dry before watering again. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.

Light

Autumn Camellia prefers bright, filtered light with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. The best spot for this plant is in partial shade, such as under a canopy of tall trees that provide dappled sunlight. A north-facing or east-facing location where it can receive gentle morning light and avoid the strong midday sun is ideal.

Temperature

Autumn Camellia thrives in conditions where the temperature ranges between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit but require protection from cold winds and frost. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering would be a consistent range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Autumn Camellia should be pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or weak branches, and promote airflow within the canopy. Pruning is best done after the blooming period has finished, in late winter or early spring. Light pruning can be done as needed throughout the year to remove dead flowers and any diseased or damaged wood.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Autumn Camellia prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of 1/3 pine bark, 1/3 garden soil, and 1/3 peat moss is often recommended for optimal growth and flowering.

Repotting

Autumn Camellias are typically repotted every 3 to 5 years, but it's best to do so when the plant becomes root-bound or the soil appears exhausted.

Humidity & Misting

Autumn Camellias thrive at humidity levels of 40-50%, but can tolerate a range. It's important not to let the air get too dry, especially in indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with proper soil mix and water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial-shade, sheltered spot with acidic soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Camellia hiemalis 'Showa-no-sakae', commonly known as the Winter Camellia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination continues to grow into a seedling with the first set of true leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy root system and lush foliage, eventually reaching a shrubby form. During the vegetative stage, it invests energy in growth and prepares for flowering, with buds forming typically at the end of the growing season. The Winter Camellia enters the blooming phase in late autumn to winter, flaunting semi-double to double pink flowers that attract pollinators, vital for sexual reproduction. After pollination and fertilization, seeds develop and are dispersed, sometimes with the help of animals or environmental conditions. The plant may live for many years, undergoing periods of growth and flowering, and can also be propagated vegetatively using cuttings, creating genetically identical clones of the parent plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Camellia hiemalis 'Showa-no-sakae', more commonly known as the Sasqua camellia, is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The most suitable time for taking cuttings is in late summer to early fall. A cutting typically measures about 4 to 6 inches long with several leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a mix of moist peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix. Keeping the cuttings under a humidity dome or in a propagator and ensuring they have gentle warmth and indirect light can improve rooting success. It generally takes several weeks for the cuttings to root adequately before they can be transferred to individual pots.