Sasanqua Camellia Edna Butler - Camellia sasanqua 'Edna Butler'

When autumn arrives and most flowering shrubs are winding down, Camellia sasanqua 'Edna Butler' is just getting started. Large, soft pink blooms with delicate silvery overtones open across the plant from autumn through to early winter, providing a generous and elegant display at exactly the time of year when the garden needs it most. The flowers sit against small, glossy dark green foliage that remains attractive year-round, giving the plant strong ornamental value well beyond its flowering season.

Dense, upright, and naturally tidy, 'Edna Butler' grows to approximately 3m tall and 1.5m wide, making it one of the most practical choices for hedging, screening, and formal garden use. It responds well to clipping and shaping, suits espalier training against walls and fences, and performs equally well as a standalone feature or mass planted for a formal effect. Its upright habit and moderate growth rate make it easy to manage and maintain at the desired height and width over time.

Like all Sasanqua Camellias, 'Edna Butler' is more sun tolerant and drought hardy than the Japonica types, performing well in full sun through to semi shade with well-drained soil and moderate moisture. An annual slow-release fertiliser, mulch around the base, and regular moisture during dry periods will keep it performing at its best. Watch for aphids, thrips, and sooty mould, which can occasionally affect Camellias, and treat promptly if observed.

Key Features:

• Soil: Well-drained soil, does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Slightly acidic soil preferred, pH 5.5 to 6.5.
• Light: Full sun to semi shade, more sun tolerant than Japonica Camellias, performs well in both open and sheltered positions.
• Watering: Keep moist during dry periods, moderate drought tolerance once established, mulching significantly reduces watering needs and protects the root system
• Fertiliser: Apply annual slow-release fertiliser formulated for camellias or acid-loving plants in spring after flowering; avoid high phosphorus or general-purpose fertilisers.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; trim to shape immediately after flowering in late winter to early spring to avoid removing next season's buds. Espalier training requires regular tying and light trimming through the growing season.
• Flowering: Autumn through early winter; one of the best times of year for garden colour when few other shrubs are in flower.

The key to keeping 'Edna Butler' looking its best as a hedge or shaped specimen is timing your pruning correctly. Always prune immediately after flowering finishes in late winter to early spring. Pruning later in the season risks removing the flower buds that form through spring and summer for the following autumn display. A single well-timed trim each year is all that is needed to maintain a clean, formal shape.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.