Camellia sasanqua is a botanical spice belonging to the well-known Camellia family. Said plant is characterized by its shapes and colors, elements that have allowed it to enjoy enormous popularity, despite the fact that among all the varieties that exist, this is one of the least known.
Features
Camellia sasanqua is characterized by being a tree or shrub that has a dense foliage, which can reach a height of approximately six meters. It is evergreen and has numerous branches, it has a smooth and gray bark with striated branches of a reddish-brown or yellowish tone.
Its leaves stand out for being elliptical, broad, leathery, with a short petiole, a drained edge and a length of around 3-5 cm.
Its flowers have an approximate diameter of 5-7 cm and are generally lonely, smelly and terminal. It is possible that they have between six and eight semi-double, double and free petals, which apart from being wavy, have a peculiar color that varies between white and pink.
Care
This plant stands out for its shrubs, which have a long life and have green foliage throughout the year with beautiful flowers in the colder times.
Due to their nature, they have the ability to thrive perfectly when receiving the appropriate basic care for their growth.
Pruning
Like all camellias, the Sasanqua does not require pruning, but despite that it tends to respond very well to it.
If you decide to prune it, it is usually best to do it exactly after flowering, before the birth of new shoots. In addition, it is advisable to slightly trim the tips of its branches and eliminate weak or dead ones in order to offer greater vitality.
Fertilizer
After flowering, Sasanqua should be lightly fed through the use of a balanced fertilizer. It is best to use a organic fertilizer and apply it in March, since it is at this time when the shoots are growing, in addition, it fights the foliar symptoms that could appear as a consequence of nutritional anomalies.
Irrigation
Camellia Sasanqua has water needs that vary according to the season, however, in any case it is necessary to maintain a constant humidity without reaching waterlogging, so it is essential that the soil has an adequate drainage system.
It is advisable to increase the frequency of irrigation in the flowering season in order to obtain full flowers.
Climate
This plant requires a humid and temperate climate, which possibly makes it the least demanding variety among the Camellias, because it perfectly supports direct exposure to the sun and does not require great protection against the wind.
Farming
The Sasanqua requires a soil that has an acid pH and it has adequate drainage, so before starting to grow this variety of Camellias, it is advisable to make sure that the soil has an approximate pH of 6.5 degrees.
When growing Sasanqua Camellias, it is necessary place them at a height slightly higher than the ground around it, which will allow that when watering them, the excess water does not remain in the center of the plant and that it can be easily drained.
Pests
These tend to naturally shed their oldest leaves, so the loss of a small number of leaves is normal, however, if the number of dead leaves is very large and they have a yellowish appearance or have spots, it is possible that the Camellia Sasanqua is sick.
Insects
They appear under the leaves and it is possible to combat them using insecticidal soap, alcohol and / or spray.
Mushrooms
Its development can be prevented by using the rake to remove fallen petals and flowers.
Ground control
When the veins of the leaves have a yellowish color it is a sign that the pH of the soil is very high, so a soil test must be done and make the necessary adjustments.