It is quite possible to see camellias in bloom during the month of November.
But not just any camellia. They are Camellia sasanqua, more commonly known as autumn camellias. Some varieties are double flowered. Among the beautiful single-flowered varieties are :
- Camellia sasanqua 'Narumigata': this is an autumn camellia with single white flowers.
- Camellia sasanqua 'Papaver' (the flower looks like a poppy): it is an autumn camellia with light pink single flowers.
Bonus: Autumn camellias grow rather fast, up to 3 to 4 meters high.
Interests of the autumn camellias
On the one hand, the bloom of the Camellia sasanqua is rather long (one and a half to two months) at a time when few plants are in bloom in the garden.
On the other hand, the flowers of Camellia sasanqua are pleasantly scented.
Growing requirements for fall camellias
Autumn camellias grow on draining and acid soils (pH< 7).
On neutral to calcareous soils, their cultivation is more complicated or even impossible for calcareous soils.
Autumn camellias are among the few camellias that can be planted in the sun. It is also important to know that when temperatures become too cold, below -10°C, the trees suffer and produce a poor bloom the following year. The climates of Brittany, Normandy and the Médoc are therefore suitable for their cultivation.
Planting autumn camellias
Delicate, the autumn camellias are a bit delicate, but on the other hand their planting is within the reach of any beginner gardener. For a root ball of 80 cm in diameter, dig a hole of 1.20 meters in diameter and position the subject in the center.
As the Autumn Camellia is an evergreen and autumn flowering tree, the ideal planting period is in spring.
Care of the fall camellia
Autumn camellias require very little maintenance.
However, you should watch out for the development of smoke; it is unsightly but not very dangerous for the plant and can be treated very easily.
