Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia sasanqua 'Shishi Gashira'
Shishi Gashira Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 4 to 5 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Vibrant deep pink, semi-double blooms
- Foliage color
- Glossy dark green
- Bloom time
- Late fall to early winter
- Light
- Partial shade to filtered sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape, and mulch to keep roots cool
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7–10
- Wildlife
- Pollinators like bees
About this plant
Camellia sasanqua 'Shishi Gashira' is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its vibrant display of semi-double, rosy-pink blooms. These flowers appear from late fall to early winter, offering a splash of color during a season when gardens often look subdued. Its glossy dark green foliage forms a lovely backdrop for the flowers, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings, including as hedges, foundation plantings, or even in containers.
This cultivar originated in Japan, where sasanqua camellias are cherished for their beauty and adaptability. 'Shishi Gashira' has a manageable growth habit and can thrive in both filtered sun and partial shade, adding to its versatility. Its winter blooms and evergreen presence make it a valued plant for creating year-round garden interest.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Specimen Plants · Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens
Companion plants
Aucuba · Hellebore · Brunnera · Japanese maple · Lungwort · Autumn fern
Design tip
Its broad, spreading shape makes this camellia a good choice for filling a wider space without adding too much height. Near an entry or beneath windows, the deep pink flowers can bring welcome color while keeping the overall planting comfortably in scale.
