The Shi Shi Gashira Camellia (Camellia sasanqua 'Shi Shi Gashira') is a popular cultivar of Camellia sasanqua, a species of camellia native to Japan. Known for its beautiful and abundant flowers, this cultivar is a favorite in gardens and landscapes. Here are some key features and care tips for the Shi Shi Gashira Camellia:

1. Flowers: Shi Shi Gashira is prized for its semi-double to double, rose-pink flowers. The blooms are typically about 2 to 3 inches in diameter and have a rich, rosette-like appearance.

2. Blooming Period: Camellia sasanqua varieties, including Shi Shi Gashira, generally bloom in the fall, providing vibrant color to the garden when many other plants are entering dormancy.

3. Foliage: The evergreen foliage of Shi Shi Gashira is dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape. The leaves create an attractive backdrop for the profusion of flowers.

4. Size: This camellia cultivar typically has a compact, mounding growth habit. It can reach a height and spread of about 4 to 5 feet, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of foundation plantings.

5. Light Requirements: Shi Shi Gashira camellias prefer partial shade to full sun. While they can tolerate more sunlight compared to some other camellia species, protection from intense afternoon sun is beneficial.

6. Soil: Well-draining, acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Camellias benefit from soil enriched with organic matter.

7. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.

8. Temperature Tolerance: Shi Shi Gashira camellias are generally hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 9. They can tolerate some cold but benefit from protection against harsh winter winds.

9. Pruning: Prune Shi Shi Gashira camellias after flowering to shape the plant, remove dead or crowded branches, and maintain a desirable form. Light pruning encourages bushiness.

10. Landscape Use: Shi Shi Gashira is often used in gardens, as a specimen plant, in shrub borders, or as part of mixed plantings. Its compact size makes it suitable for containers as well.

This cultivar is appreciated for its resilience, compact form, and abundant blooms. When incorporating Shi Shi Gashira Camellia into your landscape, consider its mature size and the overall design of your garden. As with any plant, providing proper care, including appropriate soil, sunlight, and water, will contribute to its health and flowering.