Leslie Ann Camellia
Camellia sasanqua ‘Leslie Ann’Camellia sasanqua Leslie Ann is a fall to early winter blooming evergreen shrub renowned for its elegant semidouble to double flowers with white petals edged in lavender-pink or rosy tones. It blooms from mid-fall through mid-winter in favorable climates, filling landscapes with delicate floral contrast when few other plants are in bloom. Its glossy dark green foliage provides a striking backdrop to the softly colored, long-lasting blossoms. Upright in growth, this camellia can serve as a specimen, hedge, or large shrub and is often praised for both its ornamental and seasonal interest.
This cultivar is valued not only for its floral beauty but also for its durability. Leslie Ann tolerates a range of garden conditions while maintaining consistent performance. Its blooms are produced on existing wood, so pruning is ideally done after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds. This camellia thrives when planted in partial sun or dappled shade and in acidic, well-drained soils.
A perfect choice for southern and mid-Atlantic gardens, Leslie Ann Camellia brings timeless charm and color to landscapes when it’s needed most. Its compact, upright form makes it suitable for both formal and natural garden designs, and it can also be grown in large containers for patios or entryways. Whether used as a foundation shrub, a flowering hedge, or a focal point in shaded borders, Leslie Ann adds elegance and year-round visual interest.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Choose a site with well-drained acidic soil enriched with organic matter; avoid low-lying, soggy spots.
Sunlight: Prefers morning sun or dappled shade; protect it from harsh afternoon heat.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods.
Fertilizing: Use an acid-forming fertilizer (e.g., azalea/camellia fertilizer) in spring; avoid fertilizing late in the season.
Pruning: Prune immediately after bloom to shape and remove dead wood; avoid heavy pruning late in summer.
Winter Care: In marginal zones, protect roots with mulch and shield blooms from freeze damage; young plants may benefit from some extra shelter.
