Camellia Setsugekka

Our second most popular Camellia variety, used mainly as a hedge plant but can also be used as a stand alone ornamental. Mostly it is used as a hedge and is the most common Camellia hedge used by landscapers. 

More Information 
Breeder or Originator: First recorded in 1898 in Japan, originated by Jisuke Minagawa.
Pronunciation: Set-shu-gek-ka
Synonyms: C. Fluted White, C. Wavy White, C. Elegant Friends
Different Readings: Setsugekwa, Setsugekkwa, Setsugetsekwa, Setsu Gekka 

(Of interest there is also a Camellia japonica Setsugekka as a different cultivar, first recorded in Japan pre 1925.) 

Use as a Hedge 
Camellia sasanqua Setsugekka makes an excellent hedge anywhere from 80cm up to 2 metres in height. For a short hedge plant at about 60cm apart. For a taller hedge plant about 80cm apart. If planted further apart the hedge will take longer to form, and may result in a triangular gap at ground level mid-way between all the plants. 

Prune late winter after flowering. If pruned a second time in summer prune lightly so as not to remove all the flower buds. With C. sasanqua varieties flower buds form part way down the stem so light tip pruning should not greatly affect flowering. 

Use as an Ornamental 
Camellia Setsugekka can be used as a stand alone ornamental, but its form tends to be open rather than tight and formal like most Camellia japonica varieties. Prune to shape and size as required as outlined above. 

Like all Camellias if the plant gets old and loses form, prune severely back to a stump 30 – 50cm high. After a few weeks new shoots will appear from the stump and the plant will reform.