Camellias: Elegance in Every Season
As winter's chill descends upon the Pacific Northwest, the landscape may seem to wither and fade, but amidst the gray and gloom, there's a hidden gem waiting to bloom – Camellias. These versatile and exquisite plants offer not only a touch of elegance but also a burst of color when you need it most. At West Seattle Nursery, we invite you to discover the enchanting world of Camellias, a botanical wonder with two distinct personalities: japonica and sasanqua.
Two Kinds of Camellias
Camellias, known for their lush, evergreen foliage and captivating blossoms, come in two primary varieties: japonica and sasanqua. Understanding the differences between them can help you select the perfect Camellia to grace your garden.
1. Sasanqua Camellias: Fall through Late Winter Beauties
Sasanqua Camellias are a welcome sight from fall through late winter when most other plants are dormant.
With a finer pattern on their leaves, they offer a delicate, contrasting texture to your garden.
Sasanquas exhibit the unique characteristic of petal shattering, where their petals fall off one by one, creating a colorful groundcover.
2. Japonica Camellias: Late Winter to Early Summer Bloomers
Japonica Camellias bloom from late winter through early summer, gracing your garden with vibrant flowers during the colder months.
They boast big glossy leaves, which remain green year-round, providing a striking backdrop for their blooms.
Japonicas are known for their distinctive "thud" as the flower head falls off altogether after blooming.
Choosing Your Camellia
When selecting your Camellia, consider the form and size that best suits your garden's needs. For instance:
‘Chansonette’ Camellia
'Chansonette' will grow 2-3 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it a perfect choice for hedging or a low border.
'Setsugekka' can reach impressive heights of 8 feet, providing privacy and a dramatic focal point.
Camellias for Every Purpose
Camellias are remarkably versatile and can serve various functions in your garden:
Privacy Screens: With their lush foliage and varying sizes, Camellias make excellent privacy screens, creating a peaceful sanctuary in your own backyard.
Hedges: Pruned and shaped, Camellias lend themselves to creating beautiful, structured hedges, ensuring year-round visual interest.
Espaliers: Their dense evergreen leaves and vibrant blooms can be trained into espaliers for a unique and artistic garden feature.
Container Gardening: Camellias thrive in pots, making them ideal for adding an elegant touch to patios and balconies.
Slope Stability: Thanks to their strong roots, Camellias are excellent for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion.
Camellias and Wildlife
One of the charming attributes of Camellias is their ability to attract hummingbirds. These delightful creatures are drawn to the nectar-rich blossoms, bringing life and movement to your winter garden.
Winter and Early Spring Color
Living in the Pacific Northwest offers the unique pleasure of having something blooming throughout the year. Camellias play a vital role in this perpetual garden show, offering a splash of color when the days are shortest and the skies are gray.
'Setsugekka’ Camellia
Whether you opt for the elegant and glossy leaves of japonica or the fine-textured patterns of sasanqua, Camellias are a true gift to your garden. They provide year-round beauty, structure, and color, transforming your outdoor space into an enchanting oasis, no matter the season. So, visit West Seattle Nursery today and explore the magical world of Camellias, the evergreen gems that bloom when you need them most.