- Mature height
- 2m to 4m
- Mature width
- 1.5m to 3m
Camellia sasanqua ‘Snow’ is an upright evergreen shrub with pure white flowers set against small, dark, glossy leaves. The blooms open in flushes from autumn into winter and shed their petals cleanly. Left to grow, the plant builds a dense, well furnished frame that holds foliage right down to ground level.
It prefers morning sun and shelter from hot afternoon exposure, in acidic, well drained soil with organic matter and steady moisture. Growth of 20 to 50 centimetres a year is moderate and predictable. Established plants take light to moderate frost. Soggy soil and dry root zones are the two things to avoid.
The upright habit lends itself to hedging along a boundary, screening a neighbouring building, or espalier on a narrow wall. It also sits well as a single shrub in a shaded bed. Buyers get an evergreen structure plant that earns a second use as the main source of winter flower.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Snow Camellia
What is Camellia sasanqua ‘Snow’?
It is a white flowering cultivar of the sasanqua camellia, an evergreen shrub in the Theaceae family that comes originally from Japan. ‘Snow’ is grown for crisp white blooms in autumn and winter and for its dense, upright habit. It is used widely in Australian gardens for hedging, screening and feature planting.
How big does it grow?
In the ground it reaches about 2.5 to 3 metres tall and around 2 metres wide over time. Trimmed as a hedge it is comfortably held at 1.5 to 2 metres. Espaliered flat against a wall it can be kept under 50 centimetres deep. Growth to full size takes the best part of a decade.
How fast does it grow?
Roughly 20 to 50 centimetres a year once established, which is moderate. The first year after planting goes mostly into root development, so visible growth picks up in the second season. Water, mulch and an annual feed after flowering make the difference between the bottom and the top of that range.
Where does it grow best in Australia?
Cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical districts all suit it, which covers Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, the tablelands and coastal south east Queensland. It is not a plant for arid inland regions or the wet tropics. On alkaline soils, work in compost and use an acidifying fertiliser to keep the leaves green.
Is it suitable for coastal positions?
Yes, in sheltered coastal gardens set back from the front line. The small thick leaves cope with salt laden wind better than most camellias. Direct, unbroken exposure to sea spray will burn the foliage, so plant behind a fence, a wall or a hardier windbreak and it will perform well.
How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?
Set plants 80 centimetres to 1 metre apart for a hedge that knits together within two to three seasons. For faster cover, tighten to 70 centimetres and accept more competition for water. For an informal screen where each plant keeps its own outline, allow 1.2 to 1.5 metres between centres.
How do I care for a ‘Snow’ camellia?
Mulch the root zone, water deeply through summer and autumn while buds are forming, and feed with a camellia and azalea fertiliser once flowering ends. Prune at the same time, since next season's buds set over summer. Watch for scale insects and the sooty mould that follows them in shaded spots.
