{"product_id":"camellia-sasanqua-early-pearly","title":"Camellia sasanqua 'Early Pearly'","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Pearly Sasanqua Camellia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCamellia sasanqua\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e'Early Pearly'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTheaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCultivar (species native to Japan)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEvergreen large shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA classic and highly regarded hedging camellia, Camellia sasanqua 'Early Pearly' is one of Australia's most popular choices for screens, formal hedges and espaliers. Its large, formal double white flowers with a soft pearly blush on the outer petals are produced in abundance from early autumn through to early spring, delivering months of elegant colour when the rest of the garden is at its quietest.\u003cbr\u003eMore sun-tolerant and faster-growing than Camellia japonica, 'Early Pearly' performs reliably across Adelaide's climate in sheltered to open positions. Its upright, slightly pendulous lateral habit creates a naturally graceful form equally suited to structured hedging and specimen planting. Frost hardy, coastal tolerant and low-maintenance once established, this is a camellia that earns its reputation as one of the most versatile and rewarding garden plants available for South Australian gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e2.0–3.5 m H x 1.5–2.0 m W (upright, bushy habit with slightly pendulous laterals; can be maintained as a hedge from 1.0–3.0 m)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eModerate; 25–40 cm per year; forms a dense hedge in 3–5 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eGlossy dark green oval leaves; dense, evergreen year-round; excellent structure and texture between flowering seasons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLarge formal double blooms in pearly white with a soft blush on the outer petals; lightly fragrant; produced prolifically from early autumn through to early spring (March to July\/August in SA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLightly fragrant; subtle sweet camellia scent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDense glossy foliage year-round; prolific white and blush flowers from early autumn through to early spring providing colour across the cooler months; prune and feed in late winter after flowering; fresh new growth in spring and summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAutumn and winter flowers provide nectar for bees and pollinators when few other plants are in bloom; dense foliage provides shelter and nesting habitat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFrost hardy once established; more sun-tolerant than Camellia japonica; coastal hardy; shelter from harsh winds recommended for best flower quality; dislikes alkaline soils and waterlogging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTight hedge: 1–2 plants per metre (60–80 cm spacing); Standard hedge\/screen: 1 plant per metre (80 cm–1.0 m spacing); Specimen: 2.0 m apart; suitable for large containers (50 cm+)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNon-toxic to cats and dogs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFull sun to part shade; tolerates more sun than Camellia japonica; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hotter inland Adelaide positions; protect from harsh western afternoon sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eHumus-rich, well-drained acidic to neutral soil; incorporate compost and aged manure before planting; avoid Adelaide's alkaline soils unless heavily amended or grow in containers with camellia\/azalea potting mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEstablishment: deep soak 2–3 times\/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 7–10 days in summer; fortnightly in spring and autumn; monthly in winter; mulch well to retain moisture and keep roots cool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ePrune lightly after flowering (late winter) to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth; a second light tip prune in summer is possible but keep it light to avoid removing flower buds; feed with camellia\/azalea fertiliser in spring after pruning and again in late summer; apply organic mulch annually; monitor for scale insects and sooty mould\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eVery long-lived; decades with correct soil conditions and care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWell suited to Adelaide's coastal and metropolitan areas, Fleurieu Peninsula and sheltered foothills positions; performs well across SA in warm sheltered microclimates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAcidic to neutral (pH 5.0–6.5); sensitive to alkaline soils; test and amend regularly or grow in containers with specialist potting mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormal or informal hedge and privacy screen — one of Australia's most trusted hedging camellias, delivering dense year-round structure with prolific white autumn and winter flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEspalier against a sheltered south or east-facing fence or wall for a stunning flat screen that makes excellent use of narrow spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeature specimen in courtyard and garden bed plantings where the pearly white blooms create an elegant focal point across the cooler months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine with Azaleas, Daphne and shade-loving ferns for a layered, acid-loving garden with rich seasonal interest from autumn through to spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge container specimen for sheltered patios and courtyards; use camellia\/azalea potting mix and feed regularly for best results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Early Pearly' has earned its place as one of Australia's best-loved hedging camellias for good reason. The large, formal pearly white blooms are elegant and generous, arriving early in the season and continuing right through to spring. Dense, glossy and beautifully behaved in the garden, it is a plant that reliably delivers year after year with very little asked in return.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"5L Pot","offer_id":48949361344764,"sku":"CAME-SASA-EARL-PEAR-5L","price":28.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/camellia-sasanqua-early-pearly-5L-flower-adelaide-plant-co.jpg?v=1775682144","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/camellia-sasanqua-early-pearly","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}