Camellia Sasanqua 'Jennifer Susan'

Jennifer Susan Camellia

Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua 'Jennifer Susan'
Family: Theaceae
Origin: Species native to Japan (cultivar selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (can be trained as a small standard)

Overview

Camellia sasanqua ‘Jennifer Susan’ is a vigorous, sun-tolerant sasanqua camellia with masses of soft to pale pink, double blooms from late autumn into winter. Flowers are lightly to moderately fragrant, opening to reveal golden stamens that draw pollinators. Dense, glossy dark-green foliage and a naturally upright habit make it ideal for privacy hedges, screens, espaliers, or feature shrubs. Best in acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil, with morning sun / afternoon shade in hot districts.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2.5-3 m H x 1.5-2 m W (unclipped)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy dark green; new growth can flush bronze
• Flowers: Pale/soft pink, double, lightly fragrant; late autumn–winter (timing varies by climate)
• Seasonal Interest: Showy cool-season flowering (late autumn–winter) with year-round glossy foliage
• Wildlife Value: Fragrant blooms provide nectar/pollen for insects
• Tolerance: Moderately drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant (with summer moisture), wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Hedges/Privacy: 1 plant per metre for a tight hedge (1.2–1.5 m for a looser screen); Specimen/Espalier: 2–3 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best with afternoon shade in hot, dry sites)
• Soil: Well-drained loam enriched with organic matter; mulch to keep roots cool
• Water Needs: Establishment—deep soak 2×/week for 8–12 weeks. Established—regular deep watering in summer; reduce in winter
• Maintenance: Mulch annually; prune after flowering (late winter) to shape; feed acid-loving fertiliser in early spring and again after flowering
• Lifespan: 30–60+ years in good conditions (camellias are long-lived shrubs)
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens, including sheltered coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid to neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy hedge / screen with a refined finish
• Espalier on a fence or wall for narrow spaces
• Feature near entries and along paths; great in large pots on patios

Why You Will Love It

Fragrant winter colour when little else is blooming, a neat evergreen hedge, and low fuss once established—perfect for stylish privacy and seasonal impact.