ShiShi Gashira Camellia
A Profusion of Pink Flowers
This classic camellia has been lighting up gardens for more than a century.
The ShiShi Gashira camellia (Camellia hiemalis ‘ShiShi Gashira’) is a popular, slow-growing evergreen shrub cherished for its dark pink flowers, long season of bloom, and small stature. In autumn and winter, ShiShi Gashira is covered in rose pink, semi-double flowers with golden centers. It’s on the smaller side for a camellia (growing 3 - 10 feet tall and wide), making it a great choice for foundation plantings, containers, and small yards. The ShiShi Gashira camellia is an old-fashioned variety and can be traced back to Imperial Japan, where it was first recorded in 1894. Over the years, it has acquired various synonyms including ‘Beni-Kan-Tsubaki’. ShiShi Gashira is often labeled as a dwarf Camellia sansaqua due to its size and bloom time, however, it actually belongs to the Camellia hiemalis species.
Traditionally associated with Asia, where they grow wild on shady hillsides, the camellia plant dates back over a thousand years. It was introduced to America in the late 1700s and found a welcoming home in the southern regions of the United States, where the glossy evergreen leaves and vibrant blooms thrive in the milder climates of zones 7, 8, and 9. The keen admiration for the camellia is evident in the establishment of dedicated societies and festivals centered around these captivating plants, with enthusiasts from all over the world coming together to exchange information and organize events, seminars, and exhibitions.
The stunning pink flowers of the ShiShi Gashira camellia.
Camellias do not like alkaline soil. If you are not sure about your soil conditions, do a soil test before investing in a camellia plant.
Camellias like moist, well-drained, acidic soil. They are sensitive to high pH soils (alkaline), which will turn their leaves yellow. Partial shade is best for these evergreen shrubs, and they appreciate being kept out of the hot afternoon sun. Site them in an area where they receive protection from drying winds, and amend the soil heavily with organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves. Camellias are considered to be a deer-resistant plant - they are not a preferred choice, but deer do occasionally browse them, especially tender young plants.
Camellias have the potential to be long-lived plants, yet they can suffer from a number of different fungal diseases and scale insects. Disease and insect pests can be prevented by giving camellias a partially shaded site, protection from cold winds, and well-draining, acidic soil.
How to Plant and Grow ShiShi Gashira Camellia
Location: Choose a site with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Camellias prefer partial shade to protect them from the intense afternoon sun.
Wind Protection: Plant camellias in an area where they are sheltered from strong, drying winds.
Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, shredded leaves, or Leaf-gro®, to improve drainage and soil fertility. Ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic - the best soil pH for camellias is in the range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during periods of drought. Deep watering is preferable to encourage the development of a strong root system. For more information on watering, see “How to Water your Plants”.
Fertilization: In spring, after flowering, feed camellias with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like Holly-tone®). Avoid excessive use of high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Pruning: Prune camellias sparingly to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is after the plant has finished flowering.
Is the ShiShi Gashira Camellia Hard to Grow?
Camellias are known for their relatively easy care, provided they are planted in the right location. The key to successful cultivation lies in selecting an appropriate site that meets their specific needs. To create the ideal environment:
Plant in partial shade.
Avoid direct exposure to intense afternoon sunlight.
Protect from drying winds.
Avoid planting in alkaline soils (perform a soil test, if needed).
Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, Leaf-gro®, or shredded leaves.
If you are not able to provide a camellia with the conditions it requires to thrive, consider these alternatives:
Sansaqua camellia (Camellia sansaqua): A cousin of the ShiShi Gashira camellia, this flowering evergreen shrub can handle more sun and slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Pink Icicle camellia (Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’): A hybrid camellia bred to withstand colder temperatures (up to -5°F) yet still be able to produce beautiful flowers.
American Holly (Ilex opaca): An upright, pyramidal evergreen shrub to small tree with red berries and green leaves. It grows in full sun to part shade; the boughs make excellent holiday decorations.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): An evergreen shrub or small tree with bright red berries and glossy green leaves. A relatively long-lived plant that tolerates full sun to full shade.
Summersweet clethra (Clethra alnifolia): A tall shrub with white, bottlebrush-shaped summer flowers in full sun to shade. Straight species grows to 8 feet tall; smaller cultivars available.
Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata): An easy-care shrub for partial shade, with lacy flat-topped flowers in the summer. Grows to 5 feet tall; smaller cultivars available.
What is Wrong with My Camellia?
Yellowing leaves could be due to various factors, including nutrient deficiencies (especially iron in alkaline soils), poor drainage, or overwatering.
Brown, crispy leaf edges can be caused by underwatering, excessive sunlight, or windburn.
Leaf drop is caused by stress from sudden environmental changes, pests, or disease.
Bud drop before blooming can be caused by drought, sudden temperature fluctuations, or insufficient sunlight (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Black or brown spots on the leaves and be caused by fungal infections.
Stunted growth can be a result of poor soil conditions, a lack of nutrients, or siting in an unsuitable location.
Why is My Camellia Turning Yellow?
The yellowing of leaves on a camellia shrub can be attributed to several factors. Here are some common reasons why your camellia leaves may be turning yellow:
Nutrient Deficiency: Camellias are sensitive to iron deficiency, especially in alkaline soils. This can result in yellowing leaves with green veins (chlorosis). Consider applying a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, which includes micronutrients like iron.
Improper Soil pH: Camellias prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.0-6.5. If the pH is too high (alkaline), it can affect nutrient availability, leading to yellowing leaves. Test the soil pH and, if necessary, amend it with materials to lower the pH, like aluminum sulfate or sulfur.
Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Excessive soil moisture can lead to root rot, causing leaves to yellow. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering - camellias prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
Sun Exposure: Too much direct sunlight, especially in the hot afternoon hours, can cause leaf scorching and yellowing. Ensure your camellia is planted in partial shade.
Pests and Diseases: Pests and fungal diseases can cause yellowing of leaves. Check the undersides of leaves for signs of pests and treat accordingly; ensure good air circulation and proper watering practices to prevent fungal issues.
Transplant Shock: Recently planted camellias may experience stress from transplant shock, causing the leaves to yellow. Ensure new transplants receive adequate water and time to recover.
Common names and synonyms:
ShiShi Gashira camellia
Shishigashira camellia
Beni Kan Tsubaki sasanqua camellia
Shi-Shi Gashira sasanqua camellia
Camellia hiemelis 'Beni-Kan-Tsubaki’