Chansonette Camellia

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. Pruning time: winter after flowering.

Excellent choice for a colorful low hedge, espalier, or groundcover due to its short, pendulous habit. A great addition to an Asian inspired garden or in mass at the front fringe of a woodland setting. Perfect for hanging baskets or pots.

The spreading habit makes this a great groundcover paired with blooming shrubs like Lily of the Valley, Hydrangea, Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. For an Asian theme, include Japanese Maple, Peony, Azalea, and Asiatic Lily. If trained into an espalier, include other formal garden standouts like Boxwood, Gardenia and Spiral topiaries.

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. Chansonette is a seedling of Shishi Gashira originated by Marjorie Washburne of Port Arthur, TX. 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.