Sasanqua Setsugekka ... 

Hi

Our new seasons Camellias started to arrive this week and it never ceases to amaze me with just how diverse this group of plants are.  They are kinda like people LOL, they come in all shapes and sizes, from very small ones to large ones. There are those that have Gi normous  flowers to those that have very small flowers. They even suit every purpose, small trees, shrubs, being trained as topiary standards and of course make the most amazing hedges.

SASANQUA & HYBRID CAMELLIA HEDGING Click here

Now while you can probably hedge any type of Camellia it is the Sasanquas that have been traditionally used. In my opinion, camellias make for superb hedges better than many other plant choices, they may be slightly slower but definitely are much more long term. They are also extremely hardy and robust and will regenerate easily from quite severe pruning unlike many other plants. If they get too tall or wide then just cut them back and they will regrow. It may look a little stalky for a while but I promise they will grow back.

Sasanqua is a word that always seems confuse and trip every one up. For example Camellia sasanqua Setsugekka is the full name and could be a bit of a tougue twister. Some of attributes of the Sasanquas are they often have smaller leaves, smaller flowers and they tend to flower in the early to mid-autumn They quite often have more open or lax habit and the flowers can quite often be fragrant. Sasanquas are quite hardy and tolerant as a group of plants and they have dark green leaves that have that classic English look for the want of a better term.

The cultivar Setsugekka has single white flowers, and a good dark green leaf.  Early pearly as its name suggests has early formal double white blooms and there are no prizes for guessing that Yuletide has single red flowers. Yuletide has quite a compact form and will make for a smaller hedge, Silver dollar has informal flowers of white and Mine No Yuki (Moonlight) has creamy white flowers. There are also a whole heap of pink flowered forms as well. Silver Column is a relative newbie with small single white flowers, dark green leaves and also a columnar habit.

Now some of the species and also the specie Hybrids make for awesome hedges Transnokoensis has been quite a popular choice due to its quite columnar habit, pretty pinkish buds that open out to small single drop like flowers. The leaves are a lighter green with the new foliage being quite reddish. There are a couple of Trans. hybrids arrive on the scene like Transpink and Transtasman all with similar attribute to the parent Transnokoensis. Fairy blush, Gay baby are hybrids that also will flush with red foliage that ages to green.

Microphylla is a species camellia that has quite a small leaf and not to dissimilar to Buxus that would also make for a cool hedge. It has the prettiest single fragrant white flowers.

Camellia Standards Click here

Camellias lend themselves to  be trained and they make for very good standards as well as hedging for all the same reasons that they make good hedges. Getting that ball shape right is amking sure that you clip round into the bottom of the topiary unless of course you want  that half ball with a flat bottom... Actually the shapes that can be clipped are endless and next newsletter I will share some shapes that Anthony our landscape designer drew for me. Its all just about your imagination. These ARS shears are perfect for getting the shape right and remember a bad haircut will grow out LOL!!!

NEW PRODUCT RANGE Click here

Bio Boost, Chris swears by this organic Fertilser, It can  be used for absolutely everything. A slow release feed that can be used for container plants and the garden alike. Plant shrubs with Bio Boost and side dress them for keeping them healthy. There are two bag sizes click here for more info.

Had some friends stay the other day and it was suggested that with the left over mashed potatoes that we had that we make some fish cakes. I have to say how easy are they to make and how good they are for a change. so when some friends came for dinner the other night we had fish cakes with a caper dressing, spinach roulade and fresh beans, finished with our version of mums rhubarb pie. Delicious!!

Have friends for dinner and have a great weekend

Cheers Lloyd and Harry!!!!

Make it a Wairere weekend where gardenings not a drag!!!!!