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Sasanqua vs. Japonica

CaseysMom
19 years ago

They are both lovely, but what exactly is the difference?

Leaf size? Growth habit?

I am curious...

Comments (15)

  • GAAlan
    19 years ago

    Most japonicas typically have larger leaves than most sasanquas.

    Another difference is when flowers pass their prime: in japonicas the flower falls as a whole, and sasanqua flowers normally drop petal by petal.

    The growth habit as far as plant appearance, japonicas usually look much more formal and stiff, while sasanquas can be more open and loose.

  • CaseysMom
    Original Author
    19 years ago

    Thanks~

  • LoraxDave
    19 years ago

    And it's a law that you have to plant too many of each...

  • CaseysMom
    Original Author
    19 years ago

    I think I know that law. It is definitely observed to the letter in Charleston!

    I will pass this law on to the nursery owners. They will be thrilled!

  • Dieter2NC
    19 years ago

    Sasanquas can be planted in a wider variety of exposures than Japonicas. Provided reqular watering they will thrive in full sun to full shade, whereas Japonicas tend to be more of a morning sun, afternoon shade lover. Japonicas have larger leaves and tend to be somewhat slower growers than Sasanquas. As for size of each it will depend on the cultivar selected.

  • lilypage808
    19 years ago

    According to japanese texts, as a general rule, sazanka (the japanese name for C. sasanqua) fall off petal by petal and bloom in autum.

    On the other hand, tsubaki (japanese for C. japonica) fall off as a single flower and bloom in the spring. This is why samurai considered tsubaki unlucky...it resembles a person's head falling off.

  • LoraxDave
    19 years ago

    Some laws are good ones to have!!

  • longriver
    19 years ago

    They are different genetically. Most Sasanqua has 90 cromosome number and most Japonica,30.

    Sasanqua species is very close the species of C. oleifera. They all have good root system and stand more sun light. Petals are readily to break loose to fall.

    Sasanquq has a typical scent, not all pleasant odor.

    It is a welcome species to flower early before real cold air.

  • Ron_B
    19 years ago

    Sasanquas are willowy and bronzy green, sun-loving. Japonicas are comparatively dense and stiff, need shade to look their best - something that is indicated by their deeper green foliage. Their usually unscented flowers often shrivel and cling to the bush. Otherwise, their fallen petals make an amazing amount of litter. Eastern (morning sun) exposures are NOT suitable for them, actually, as the likelihood of frost injury to the flowers is high in such places.

  • PRO
    Nell Jean
    19 years ago

    Sasanquas generally have smaller leaves, a looser habit, bloom earlier, drop petals everywhere and grow taller.
    {{gwi:514823}}
    This camellia grows in full sun and has a tea fragrance when you walk past it.

  • plantfreak
    19 years ago

    C. sasanqua is in riotous bloom right now here on Kyushu. It is grown everywhere, usually sited in full sun positions. C. japonica grows in the wild here in large numbers. It seems to bloom from January on into mid-spring, perhaps until May. It is great to see both flowers once they fall. Sasanqua leaves wonderful piles of pink petals and japonica litters the forests with perfect flowers...I'll never forget seeing for the first time all these lovely flowers scattered over fresh fallen snow in the mountains. Truly magical. PF

  • Analia Camarasa
    5 years ago
    Which one is better for a privacy hedge?
  • luis_pr
    5 years ago

    Where would this hedge be located? In how much summer sun? What is the USDA Zone there?

  • ladybug A 9a Houston area
    5 years ago

    IMO, Sasanquas are much more tolerant of different conditions than japonicas.

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