Camellia japonica ‘Gran Sultano’

Description

Quick Facts
– Botanical Name: Camellia japonica ‘Gran Sultano’ (also listed as ‘Grand Sultan’)
– Common Name: Gran Sultano Camellia
– Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
– Mature Height: Approx. 2-3m (slow-growing; can be kept smaller)
– Mature Spread: Approx. 1.5-2m
– Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
– Habit: Upright and bushy
– Flowering Period: Late winter to spring (February to April)
– Flower Colour: Large, rich red, fully double flowers
– Foliage Colour: Glossy, dark green leaves
– Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy; shelter flowers from early morning sun after frost)
– Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil; avoid chalk and lime
– Aspect: Part shade or a sheltered spot; avoid cold winds and morning sun in frost
– Maintenance: Low

Description
‘Gran Sultano’ is a classic Camellia japonica, grown for its large, rich red, fully double flowers. They open from late winter into spring, when the garden needs colour, and stand out against the glossy, dark green foliage.

The leaves stay smart all year, so it gives structure in every season. It grows slowly into a well-shaped evergreen shrub, which suits shady borders, woodland-style planting, courtyards and large containers.

Rich, glossy and reliable, ‘Gran Sultano’ brings bold winter and spring colour to a sheltered corner.

Caragh Garden Notebook

Planting:
Plant in autumn or spring in moist, well-drained, acidic soil with ericaceous compost or leaf mould worked in. Choose a sheltered spot in light or part shade, away from cold winds and where the flowers will not get early morning sun after a frost. Plant with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface, as planting too deep can reduce flowering. Water in well and mulch with leaf mould or bark. In containers, use ericaceous compost with good drainage.

Watering:
Water regularly through the first two growing seasons. Keep the soil moist in summer and early autumn, when the flower buds form, as dry conditions can cause bud drop. Use rainwater where possible, especially in hard-water areas. Container plants need more frequent watering.

Feeding:
Apply a slow-release ericaceous fertiliser in spring. Avoid feeding after midsummer. An annual mulch of leaf mould or composted bark helps keep the soil acidic and moist.

Seasonal Care & Tidy-Up:
Very little pruning is needed. If required, trim lightly straight after flowering to keep the shape tidy. Avoid hard pruning, as this can remove next year’s buds. Remove fallen flowers to keep the area tidy and reduce the risk of petal blight.

Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. Yellowing leaves usually point to alkaline soil, so use ericaceous compost and rainwater. Bud drop is usually caused by dry roots or sudden temperature changes. Watch for vine weevil in containers and scale insects on the stems.

Design Notes:
A good choice for shady borders, courtyards and large pots near a door, where the winter and spring flowers can be enjoyed. It pairs well with ferns, hellebores, hostas, Japanese maples and other acid-loving plants.

Propagation:
Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, though they can be slow to root. For a well-shaped plant of a good size, buy nursery-grown stock.