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A versatile performer displaying a profusion of striking, scarlet peony form blooms. Flowers are perfect for cutting. Spreading form makes this an excellent choice for a colorful low hedge, espalier, or tall ground cover. The glossy, dark green foliage makes an exceptional foundation planting in sheltered sites with bright shade.  Early season bloomer.  Evergreen.  Moderate growing 4 to 5 ft. tall, spreading wider.  Partial sun.  Cutting grown.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Partial sun

Watering Needs: Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.

Pruning Time: Fall after flowering

Growth Rate: Moderate Growing

Growth Habit: Spreading

Design Information

Companion Plants

CHRISTMAS TREE PLANTAIN LILY
Hosta x 'Christmas Tree'

CRIMSON CURLS CORAL BELLS
Heuchera x 'Crimson Curls' P.P.# 13729

VAUGHN'S LILLIE^® OAK LEAF HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Vaughn's Lillie'^® P.P.# 12982

CANNON`S DOUBLE AZALEA
Azalea x 'Cannon`s Double' (Exbury hybrid)

GLACIER MAGIC^® SHRUB ROSE
Rosa x 'Taniripsa' P.P.A.F.

PROVENCE FRENCH LAVENDER
Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence'

ROMAN BEAUTY ROSEMARY
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Roman Beauty' PPAF

MINT JULEP^® JUNIPER
Juniperus chinensis 'Monlep'

KINPAI AZALEA
Azalea `Kinpai` (Satsuki hybrid)

SIENNA SUNRISE^® HEAVENLY BAMBOO
Nandina domestica 'Monfar' P.P.#14693, Can. PBR Pend.

CHINESE DOGWOOD
Cornus kousa chinensis

BLACK JAPANESE MAPLE
Acer palmatum 'Nigrum'

PRELUDE LILY OF THE VALLEY
Pieris japonica 'Prelude' (P. taiwanensis 'Prelude')

AFRICAN IRIS
Dietes iridioides (Moraea iridioides)

FIRST LOVE^® GARDENIA (GRAFTED)
Gardenia jasminoides 'Aimee' (Grafted onto G. thunbergii)

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Companion Plants (Description): Bonanza's versatility in shade and partial sun, as well as wet and dry conditions, make this a plant that pairs well with a variety of garden shrubs and perennials. Combine with the big, bold foliage and blooms of Hosta, Coral Bells, Hydrangea and Rhododendron. As a clipped, formal hedge or parterre, plant amongst Roses, Rosemary, Lavender and the topiary forms of Monrovia's Italianate Collection. For an Asian theme, design with mixed Azaleas, Heavenly Bamboo, Dogwood, Japanese Maples, Lily of the Valley, Iris and Gardenia.

Design Styles: The spreading habit of this Camellia offers more versatility than the erect, shrub forms.  Plant as a low growing, hedge in place of formal Boxwood or throughout beds close to your outdoor living space.  The beautiful red color and ruffled petals are at home in both a manicured or wild garden setting.  This plant is a must for Asian or woodland gardens under large, old shade trees with filtered canopies.  Dress up a wall or garage as a shrub, or train the spreading habit of this Camellia as an espalier for a formal look.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Provide well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Feed with an acid fertilizer after bloom. Keep roots cool with a thick layer of mulch.

Background Information

History: Sometimes referred to as Christmas Camellias, the sasanqua varieties of Camellia are native to the evergreen, coastal forests of southern Japan.  It was introduced by Dutch traders into Europe in 1869.  Bonanza is a seedling of 'Crimson Bride'.  The Japanese use the leaves of sasanqua to make tea, and the seeds are pressed into tea seed oil for use as a lubricant and in cooking and cosmetics.

Botanical Pronunciation: ka-MEL-i-a sa-SANG-kwa

Catalog Description: A versatile performer displaying a profusion of striking, scarlet peony form blooms. Flowers are perfect for cutting. Spreading form makes this an excellent choice for a colorful low hedge, espalier, or tall ground cover. The glossy, dark green foliage makes an exceptional foundation planting in sheltered sites with bright shade.  Early season bloomer.  Evergreen.  Moderate growing 4 to 5 ft. tall, spreading wider.  Partial sun.  Cutting grown.