How to Cut Back Dying Sasanquas
Sasanqua is a variety of camellia that reaches heights of between 4 and 15 feet. Sasanquas grow as either large shrubs or small trees. The Camellia sasanqua produces large flower blossoms in the late fall and early winter in a variety of colors. Unlike other camellia varieties, which need little pruning, sasanquas do require pruning to manage their rapid growth. The dying plants can be pruned heavily if needed and will flourish the following summer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Wait until the sasanqua flowers begin to die, but don't wait until the wilted flowers completely fall off. The optimal time for pruning in most locations is between late February and early May. Camellia sasanqua plants must be pruned as soon as they begin to die back, since they develop new buds soon thereafter.
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Stand back and observe the overall shape of the sasanqua plant. Look for stems that stand out of the natural vase-like pattern. These limbs typically occur near the base of the plant and the sides. Prune these stems off near the ground, or the main trunk, using loppers or hand pruners.
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Look at the Camellia sasanqua limbs and identify any that lack leaves or that did not produce flowers during the growing season. Prune the stems off as close to the ground as possible using loppers. These stems are dead and will not flourish the next year.
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Cut back the dead flower blossoms from each of the remaining stems using hand pruners. Make the cuts straight across the stem, just below the dead flowers.
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Tips & Warnings
If desired, you can cut the sasanqua plants off 2 to 3 inches above the ground, using pruning shears, to rejuvenate the plant.
