Yuletide Camellia

Provide well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Keep roots cool with a thick layer of mulch. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Requires less water once established. Prune to shape and feed with an acid fertilizer after flowering. Pruning time: winter after flowering.

With its simple yet elegant red flowers and golden centers, this sasanqua variety is among the most popular. When not in flower, its upright habit helps it create a fine evergreen background for a variety of conditions. Plant around the house to cover foundations and to fill window-free walls. Use along fence lines and add vivid color to outdoor living spaces, porches and patios. Even grows well under the filtered shade of old street trees dominating the front yard. Can be used as an informal hedge, partition or privacy screen. As the name suggests, a must holiday decoration in containers or as cut flowers throughout the house.

The red, holiday blooms pair well with those plants that produce fall and winter berries like Holly, Marlberry, and Japanese Skimmia. Combine with the big, bold foliage and blooms of Hosta, Coral Bells, Hydrangea and Rhododendron. For an Asian theme, design with mixed Azaleas, Heavenly Bamboo, Dogwood, Japanese Maples, Lily of the Valley, Iris and Gardenia.

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. Yuletide is a chance seedling of Kanjiro and originated at Nuccio's Nurseries in Altadena, CA. 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.