Species

1 other cultivar

‘Rose Of Autumn’Rose of Autumn Camellia

shrub RHS Award

Shishigashira Camellia

Camellia hiemalis 'Shishigashira'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellias are broadleaf evergreen shrubs or small trees prized for their exquisite flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade.

'Shishigashira' is a distinct and versatile cultivar with a low, spreading, almost cascading habit. It produces a profusion of semi-double, rose-pink to fuchsia flowers from mid-fall into early winter, providing color when little else is blooming.

Uses & Benefits:

A true star of the fall and winter garden, 'Shishigashira' provides a stunning floral display when the landscape is often bare. Its unique, low-spreading form adds an element of grace and architectural interest year-round.

Its dense, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for a tall, flowering groundcover in shady areas. It is also one of the best camellias for espalier against a wall or fence, or for use in large containers.

The late-season blooms provide a valuable nectar source for any active pollinators, such as bees, on warm autumn and winter days.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Late winter

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light.
Ensure the soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and slightly more shallow.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and build a slight mound up to the root ball.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball 1-2 inches above the surrounding soil, to ensure sharp drainage and prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods.
Protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong winter winds.
Use an acidifying mulch like pine straw or shredded bark.
Remove fallen blooms to help prevent petal blight disease.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline soil; it will cause yellowing leaves.
Avoid planting too deeply, a common cause of camellia failure.
Don't let the plant dry out, especially when setting buds.
Do not fertilize late in the season, as it can damage new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful cascading specimen over a wallLustrous evergreen groundcover for shadeElegant espalier against a protected wall

Companion Plants

Helleborus x hybridus Rhododendron spp.Hydrangea macrophylla Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Ferns (various)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shishigashira Camellia questions

What zones can Shishigashira Camellia grow in?

Shishigashira Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shishigashira Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Shishigashira Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shishigashira Camellia bloom?

Shishigashira Camellia typically blooms in mid-fall through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shishigashira Camellia need full sun?

Shishigashira Camellia does best in part shade.