Camellia Hiemalis 'Hiryu'
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Hiryu Camellia / Sasanqua Camellia
Botanical Name: Camellia hiemalis 'Hiryu'
Family: Theaceae
Origin: East Asia (Japan)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
A sun-tolerant sasanqua/hiemalis camellia with masses of deep rosy-pink to carmine, semi-double blooms from late autumn into winter. Flowers are lightly fragrant with golden stamens. Dense, glossy foliage and an upright, elegant habit make ‘Hiryu’ ideal for privacy hedges, screens, espaliers or a feature near entries. Best in acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil; protect from hot, drying winds.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 2-3 m H x 1.5-2 m W
- Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Glossy deep green; new growth may flush bronze
- Flowers: Deep pink–carmine, semi-double, lightly fragrant; late autumn–winter
- Seasonal Interest: Showy cool-season flowering with year-round glossy foliage
- Wildlife Value: Nectar and pollen for beneficial insects
- Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect from hard frost)
- Planting Density: Hedge/Privacy: 1 plant per metre for a tight hedge (0.8 m for very tight); screen/specimen: 1.2–1.5 m apart
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (give afternoon shade in hot sites)
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic loam or sandy loam; improve clay with organic matter
- Water Needs: Establishment—deep soak 2×/week for 8–12 weeks. Established—regular deep watering in summer; less in winter
- Maintenance: Mulch annually; lightly prune after flowering to shape; feed with acid-loving fertiliser in early spring and again after flowering
- Lifespan: 30-60+ years
- Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens; sheltered coastal sites
- Soil pH: Acid to neutral
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Privacy hedge / screen with a refined finish
- Espalier along a fence or wall for narrow spaces
- Feature near entries and along paths; great in large pots
Why You Will Love It
Winter colour + fragrance when little else is flowering, a neat evergreen hedge, and low fuss once established—perfect for stylish privacy and seasonal impact