Camellia Setsugekka
Camellia Setsugekka is one of the most popular camellias for hedging or specimen planting, with an abundance of large white flowers appearing from early autumn to early winter. Establishes quickly. This camellia loves partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil, it is both hardy and relatively low maintenance. Grows to an eventual height of 2.5m x 2m.
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Trimming: Lightly shape straight after flowering to maintain a neat framework and encourage bushiness. Remove crossing, damaged, or inward-growing shoots. Avoid hard pruning unless renovating an overgrown plant (do this in late winter/early spring, then expect fewer flowers for a season).
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Deadheading: Not essential, but you can remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy and reduce petal browning on the shrub. Pick off fallen petals from branches and the ground to discourage fungal issues.
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Fertilising: Feed in early spring with an acid-loving (camellia/rhododendron/azalea) fertiliser. A second, lighter feed in late spring/early summer can support healthy growth. Avoid heavy feeding from mid-summer onwards, as this can affect bud set.
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Watering: Water deeply during the establishment phase (first 12–18 months) and during extended dry periods, especially in summer and early autumn when buds are forming. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; mulch helps stabilise moisture.
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Pest control: Watch for scale insects (small brown/white bumps on stems/leaf undersides) and mealybugs (white cottony clusters), often accompanied by sticky honeydew and sooty mould. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, repeating as directed. Check for thrips if flowers brown or deform; reduce with targeted sprays and by removing affected flowers.
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Disease management:
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Petal blight: flowers turn brown rapidly and may develop greyish mould; remove and bin all affected flowers and fallen petals (don’t compost), and improve airflow.
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Sooty mould: black film on leaves caused by honeydew from scale/mealybugs; control the pest, then gently wash leaves.
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Root rot (Phytophthora): wilting, poor growth, yellowing despite watering; improve drainage immediately and avoid overwatering - prevention is key (free-draining soil, mulching without piling against the trunk).
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Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
