Shishi Gashira Camellia
Shishi Gashira Camellia is a charming evergreen shrub that delights gardeners with its prolific display of semi-double, rose-pink blooms in late fall to early winter. This low-growing camellia, often called the “Lion’s Head” camellia, features ruffled petals surrounding a burst of golden stamens, adding a splash of vibrant color to your landscape when many other plants are dormant. The lush, glossy dark green foliage remains attractive year-round, making Shishi Gashira an excellent choice for ground cover, mass plantings, or as an accent shrub in borders and foundation plantings. Its compact size, reaching just 3 to 5 feet in height and width, makes it ideal for smaller gardens or container cultivation.
Shishi Gashira Camellia thrives in USDA Zones 7-9 and prefers partial shade, where it can avoid the harsh midday sun that may damage its delicate flowers. It grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and blooming. The spreading habit of Shishi Gashira makes it a popular choice for creating colorful low hedges, edging garden beds, or adding winter interest to mixed shrub borders. Its ability to bloom prolifically during the cooler months makes it a show-stopping feature in any garden, providing an eye-catching contrast against the winter landscape.
Caring for Shishi Gashira Camellia is relatively easy, requiring only minimal pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular watering during the first growing season is essential to establish a healthy root system, and mulching around the base helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Fertilizing in early spring with a slow-release, acid-loving fertilizer will encourage lush foliage and abundant blooms year after year. With its spectacular pink blooms, low-growing habit, and year-round evergreen foliage, Shishi Gashira Camellia is the perfect addition for adding color, texture, and interest to your garden, even in the colder months.
