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Camellia sasanqua Ashtar

Camellia sasanqua 'Ashtar'
Autumn Camellia, Christmas Camellia

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A beautiful, upright evergreen shrub selected for its large, fragrant single flowers, light pink streaked with a deeper pink. They appear from September to November, depending on the climate. It tolerates non-scorching sun as well as partial shade and thrives in acidic, moist, and well-drained soil. Hardy down to -14°C, it is also suitable for container cultivation.
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
4 m
Spread at maturity
3.75 m
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time September to November
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Description

Camellia sasanqua ‘Ashtar’ is an early-flowering autumn camellia. At the end of the season, it offers single soft pink, delicately streaked corollas, with a light fragrance, on glossy foliage that is evergreen in winter. This beautiful bush can be used in an informal hedge, to create a flowering screen, or in a large container near an entrance. Its flowering can be enjoyed from the first cold weather.

The Camellia genus belongs to the Theaceae family. The botanical species is Camellia sasanqua, formerly Thea sasanqua (accepted synonym). In the wild, this bush is found in southern Japan (Shikoku, Kyūshū, Ryūkyū Islands), on the edge or in the undergrowth of evergreen forests, at low altitude and near the coast.
‘Ashtar’ is a spontaneous sowing from C. sasanqua ‘Ishtar’, selected and introduced in France by the Pépinières Côte Sud des Landes in 2013. It is presented as an improvement on its parent, particularly for the stability of its colouring. Its habit is upright, its growth is quite vigorous once well established. At maturity in open ground, ‘Ashtar’ can reach approximately 4 m in height and spread. Grown in a container, expect 1.30 m in height by 1 m in width at 10 years old under good conditions.
The single flowers measure 5 to 7 cm in diameter; they have 5 to 7 petals in light pink streaked with a deeper pink, revealing a cluster of golden yellow stamens. They are lightly fragrant and appear from September to November, depending on the climate. Each flower only lives for a few days, but they are continuously renewed. The dark green foliage is evergreen in winter. It is formed of ovate to elliptical, leathery leaves, with a finely serrated edge. 
'Ashtar’ is hardy down to –14 °C in suitable soil and a sheltered position. 

Plant Camellia sasanqua 'Ashtar' in a bed of acid soil. To grow in a pot, choose a large 40-litre container and place it on a semi-shaded terrace. You can bring the pot indoors as soon as the cold sets in to enjoy the flowering for longer. In the garden, use it as a standalone specimen or in a flowering hedge. Pair it with Japanese maples and Pieris, Chinese azaleas and Viv hellebores, which will flower beneath its cover in winter. Or combine it with 3–4 complementary camelia cultivars in terms of size and flowering period: C. sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ (white, single, very early), ‘Kanjiro’ (deep pink in autumn) or ‘Yuletide’ (red, single, winter-flowering). 

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Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Olivier 15 min.
Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Read article

Camellia sasanqua Ashtar in pictures

Camellia sasanqua Ashtar (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 4 m
Spread at maturity 3.75 m
Habit irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time September to November
Flower size 6 cm
Fragrance slightly scented,

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Product reference • 250281

Planting and care

Camellia sasanqua Ashtar can be placed in a fairly shaded spot, sheltered from cold and drying winds. However, you can grow it in the sun, provided the roots remain cool. Plant it in a humus-bearing, acidic soil that stays slightly moist but well-drained. Do not plant the bush too deeply; the top of the root ball should be covered by 3 cm. In winter, cover it with a 5 to 7 cm thick mulch formed of leaf mould and shredded bark. Beware of late frosts, which can damage the flowers and buds. During dry periods, water the bush with non-calcareous water to prevent the flower buds from dropping.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge
Type of use Free-standing, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Prune each year after flowering, from February to April, depending on the region. Avoid summer and autumn to avoid removing the coming flower buds. Work in mild weather, avoiding frost. Lightly prune the stems that spoil its compact shape. Remove faded flowers if you do not want fruit, and cut away dead wood.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to May
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Average
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

Planting & care advice

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