Evergreen Shrub – Shishi Gashira Camellia

Shishi gashira camellia 

Botanical name: camellia sasanqua ‘shishi gashira’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 4-5 ft in height with a spread of 6-8 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 7-10

Foliage color: green 

Bloom time: fall, winter 

Flower color:  pink 

Growth rate: grows 3-6 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late spring once blooms are spent for the season to maintain health and desired shape and size 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the summer/fall months 

Landscape use:  hedge, border, privacy, container plant, shade garden, patio 

Light needs: no more than 3 hours of sun per day 

Special features: pet safe, attracts pollinators

Watering instructions: allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use an azalea/camellia flower food once a year in the early spring once blooms have spent for the season, and again once in the late summer/early fall to promote new growth and long-lasting blooms for the coming fall/winter season 

Best time to plant: fall or winter

Best type of soil: adaptable to many different soil types 

Companion plants: loropetalum, hostas, hellebores, hydrangea, azalea

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no