Camellia japonica ‘Bob Hope’ – Deep Red Semi-Double Camellia Shrub

Delight your garden with the timeless elegance of Camellia sasanqua ‘Jennifer Susan’, a graceful evergreen shrub ideal for compact spaces or container displays. This cultivar offers early autumn to mid-winter blooms, boasting soft blush to warm pink, semi-double peony-shaped flowers that gracefully unfold amid glossy green foliage. Gentler than many camellias, it brings sustained beauty when most garden beds are resting.

Presented in a 42 mm pot, this choice is perfect for multi-pot displays, planting ensembles, or for those looking to establish a blooming legacy with potted camellias.

Features

• Compact & Evergreen: Upright, slow-growing habit with dense, bright green foliage

• Autumn–Winter Blooms: Showy, semi-double to peony-form pink blossoms open early — typically October through January

• Versatile Display: Perfect for containers, small gardens, or mixed borders — also suitable for hedging or screening when planted in multiples

• Hardy & Sun Tolerant: Tolerates partial to full sun, ideal for warmer climates and early-blooming enthusiasts

• Minimal Maintenance: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and benefits from light pruning post-flowering to encourage dense growth

Why You Should Buy

• Year-Round Elegance: Evergreen leaves paired with vibrant autumn blooms ensure your space stays alive with color when most plants rest

• Perfect for Pots: Sized ideally for potted displays, making it versatile for patios, balconies, or retail staging

• Early & Dependable Bloomer: Provides seasonal beauty sooner than many camellias — a standout in autumn gardens

• Resilient & Adaptable: Combines cold tolerance with sun resilience, making it a gardener’s reliable fall-winter flowering companion

Care & Planting Tips

1. Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil (preferably slightly acidic)

2. Water regularly until established (first ~12 weeks), then moderately thereafter

3. Position in morning sun or partial shade — avoid harsh afternoon heat

4. After blooming, lightly prune to shape and encourage lush new growth

5. Mulch annually to retain moisture, maintain soil health, and support root development

FAQs

Q: How big will it get?
A: Mature size ranges from 2–3 m tall and 1–2 m wide — though growth may be more compact when kept in containers.

Q: When does it flower?
A: Blooms early — typically between October and January, offering captivating color in cooler months.

Q: Is it scented?
A: Many note a light, sweet fragrance, especially in more formal or peony-form blooms.

Q: Can I grow it in a pot?
A: Definitely — even great for 42 mm to 80 mm pots. Excellent for patios, container gardens, or mixed displays.

Q: What soil does it prefer?
A: Best in moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil — with added organic matter during planting.

Q: How often to prune?
A: A light prune after flowering helps maintain shape and enhance next season's blooms.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: Yes — reliable winter performance in suitable zones, with good tolerance even in cooler temperatures.