Camellia sasanqua 'Lucinda' is one of the most widely grown Australian sasanqua cultivars, chosen for its naturally upright compact habit, dense glossy foliage and prolific soft pink flowering. Flowers are single, soft mid-pink with bright yellow stamens, produced from late autumn through winter, typically May through July in Australia, when most gardens are without flower.
It performs reliably in full sun to part shade with humus-rich slightly acidic soil, is frost tolerant once established and copes with most warm temperate to subtropical positions. The upright habit means it holds a narrow footprint, which suits it to hedges along boundaries and driveways where width is tight.
The 50cm is the natural bushy form, supplied as a shrub for hedging, screening and feature planting, and it clips into whatever shape you want. The 90L Cone Form is a specimen already trained into a formal upright pyramid, pre-clipped and ready to place, with no training required and years of growing-on already done.
Cones suit formal entrances, gate approaches, the corners of formal beds, courtyards and paired plantings in decorative pots. Either form gives year-round structure and a strong winter flowering display.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Camellia sasanqua 'Lucinda'
What is Camellia sasanqua 'Lucinda'?
'Lucinda' is one of the most widely grown Australian sasanqua cultivars, valued for its naturally upright compact habit, dense foliage and prolific soft mid-pink single flowers through winter. It is a dependable hedging, screening and formal garden plant.
What sizes and forms are available?
Two. The 50cm is the natural bushy form for hedging, screening and feature planting. The 90L Cone Form is a specimen already clipped into a formal upright pyramid, ready to place. The cone costs more because the training and the growing-on time are already done for you.
When does 'Lucinda' flower?
In Australia, 'Lucinda' flowers from late autumn through winter, typically May through July, with light flowering possible into August in cooler regions. The flowers are single, soft mid-pink with bright yellow stamens, and the display lasts several months when most other garden plants are dormant. Flowering is lighter on heavily clipped plants.
How tall are the 90L cones?
The 90L cones are specimen-grade, with a total plant height of approximately 1.5 to 1.9 metres. Base diameter is approximately 0.6 to 0.8 metres tapering evenly to the top. Each plant is well-rooted, in proportion to the pot and pre-clipped to a consistent cone form.
Where does 'Lucinda' grow best?
'Lucinda' performs reliably across warm temperate to subtropical Australia, from subtropical Queensland through coastal NSW, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and into the tablelands. It prefers full sun to part shade with humus-rich slightly acidic soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot inland areas. Avoid tropical Queensland and very alkaline soils.
Is 'Lucinda' frost tolerant?
Yes. 'Lucinda' is frost tolerant once established and handles light to moderate frost without damage to foliage or flower buds. Young plants benefit from protection in their first winter in heavily frost-prone inland positions.
How do I prune the Cone Form?
Clip lightly twice per year, once after flowering in late winter and again in late summer. Work from the top down, maintaining the pyramid taper from the wider base to the top point. Step back regularly to check the symmetry from several angles. Avoid heavy cutting into bare old wood, which can be slow to reshoot.
How do I care for 'Lucinda'?
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Feed with an acid-loving plant food in spring and again after flowering in late winter. Mulch annually with an acidic mulch like pine bark and keep the mulch clear of the trunk. In pots, step up the pot size every two to three years to support continued root health.
