Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'

Border, Container, Espalier, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Woodland Garden. 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. Companion Plants 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.

Camellias like slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. A site in part shade and not in afternoon sun is preferred. They also like a somewhat sheltered site, as rain, snow and wind spoil the flowers. Regular mulching conserves moisture around their shallow roots. Avoid excessive cultivation. Pruning is usually only necessary for removing dead, damaged of diseased wood.