SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia sasanqua 'Shishi Gashira'

COMMON NAME: Shishi Gashira Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 4-5 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow to moderate compared with other camellias. In general, camellias are slow-growing plants and can take 10-20 years to reach their full size, depending on their environment.

USDA ZONE: 7-10

EXPOSURE: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Here in Tennessee toward the northern edge of their range, camellias prefer to be sheltered by at least one wall.

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Low, compact, spreading shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: Magenta-pink, semi-double blooms with bright gold stamens

FLOWER SIZE: 3-4 inches

BLOOM TIME: Early fall to winter

PLANT ORIGIN: Southern Japan; C. sasanqua 'Shishi Gashira' is named for the lion's head mask used in Japanese Noh theater.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Flowers may feed pollinators in the very early spring and/or fall, but it is not a host for local wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize with a bloom booster fertilizer two seasons before they bloom (in fall for spring bloomers and in spring for fall bloomers).

PRUNING: Not necessary. If desired for shaping, you may prune right after blooming.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Camellias are generally non-toxic; however, Camellia sinensis contains caffeine and should be handled with caution around pets.

USES: Ornamental specimen