A compact, upright sasanqua bearing single fiery red flowers with a bright cluster of golden stamens, peaking around mid-winter. Its dense habit and festive timing make it a sought-after Christmas-flowering camellia.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Yuletide Camellia
Botanically, Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' is a slow-growing shrub in the Theaceae family. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in winter.
Where to grow Yuletide Camellia
Yuletide Camellia suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Yuletide Camellia does best in acidic and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Yuletide Camellia does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Yuletide Camellia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Yuletide Camellia in the garden
Yuletide Camellia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and clipping into topiary. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Yuletide Camellia with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Yuletide Camellia
Plant Sale lists Yuletide Camellia as potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
