Daydream Camellia (Camellia sasanqua ‘Daydream’) is a lovely, medium-sized camellia known for its charming semi-double blooms and soft pink color. As a sasanqua type, it’s prized for its earlier bloom time in the fall and for its graceful, spreading growth habit. This camellia variety is particularly versatile and well-suited to various landscape uses, bringing delicate beauty and evergreen structure to gardens throughout the cooler seasons.

Key Characteristics of Daydream Camellia

1. Flowers:

   • Color: Soft, blush pink with slightly darker edges, often fading to a pale pink as the blooms mature.
   • Shape: Semi-double, with layers of petals that surround a small cluster of golden-yellow stamens in the center. Blooms typically measure 2-3 inches in diameter.
   • Blooming Season: Known for blooming earlier than most camellias, Daydream produces flowers from late fall into early winter, adding color to the garden when few other plants are in bloom.

2. Foliage:

   • Evergreen: Keeps its glossy, dark green leaves year-round, creating a lush background even when not in bloom.
   • Oval and Finely Serrated: The leaves are smaller and more delicate compared to some other camellias, adding an elegant texture to the plant.

3. Growth Habit:

   • Height and Spread: Reaches about 6-8 feet in height and 4-5 feet width, forming a dense, rounded shrub.
   • Spreading Form: Has a naturally graceful, spreading habit that makes it suitable for borders, hedges, or as a standalone specimen.

Growing and Care Requirements

1. Light:

   • Partial Shade: Prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates. It can handle more sun in cooler areas, but protection from intense afternoon sun is ideal.
   • Filtered Light: Thrives under the filtered light of taller trees, making it a great choice for woodland gardens.

2. Soil:

   • Acidic, Well-Draining Soil: Requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter to support healthy growth. A pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
   • Moist but Not Soggy: Like most camellias, Daydream prefers evenly moist soil but will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

3. Watering:

   • Consistent Moisture: Regular watering is essential, especially in dry spells or during the first couple of years to establish strong roots.

4. Temperature:

   • Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 7-9, and generally tolerates cooler winter temperatures, though extreme cold may require some protection.

5. Fertilizer:

   • Acidic Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring and again in mid-summer to encourage robust growth and blooming.

6. Pruning:

   • Light Pruning: Prune after blooming if necessary to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged branches. Daydream has a natural shape that generally requires minimal pruning.
   • Deadheading: Removing spent flowers can encourage new growth and prevent disease.

Benefits of Daydream Camellia

• Early Blooms: Adds color to the garden in the fall and early winter, brightening the landscape when many other plants are dormant.
• Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round structure and beauty with its glossy, dense foliage.
• Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees and other early pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

Landscape Uses

• Borders and Hedges: Works well as a flowering hedge or border plant, providing both structure and seasonal interest.
• Specimen Planting: As a standalone, Daydream makes an elegant focal point in gardens, particularly in shaded or partially shaded areas.
• Foundation Planting: Adds beauty and texture when planted along foundations or as an accent near entrances.
• Container Gardening: With proper care, it can be grown in a large container, ideal for patios and balconies.

Summary

The Daydream Camellia is a beautiful, versatile shrub that brings soft pink blooms and lush evergreen foliage to gardens in the fall and early winter. With its moderate growth habit, graceful form, and low maintenance requirements, it is an excellent choice for adding elegance to shaded areas, borders, and hedges. Ideal for those looking to extend the blooming season into the cooler months, this camellia variety is both visually appealing and easy to care for, fitting well into many landscape designs.