💕 Dream Girl Camellia (Camellia sasanqua ‘Narumigata’ × Camellia reticulata ‘Buddha’) – 3 Gallon

The Dream Girl Camellia is a striking hybrid, admired for its very large, semi-double blooms with wavy, upright, irregular petals. Each flower, often reaching 15 cm across and 10 cm deep, glows in shades of soft pink that deepen toward the edges, recalling the grandeur of its parent, C. reticulata ‘Buddha.’ With glossy evergreen foliage, vigorous growth, and an early bloom season, Dream Girl lives up to its name as one of the most enchanting camellias for collectors and gardens alike.

✨ History & Registration

• Origin: Hybridized by Howard Asper, Escondido, California, USA

• Parentage: Camellia sasanqua ‘Narumigata’ × Camellia reticulata ‘Buddha’

• First Publication: Merino, 1966, American Camellia Yearbook, p.62

• Notes: Sometimes listed as “Dreamgirl” in orthographic variation

Dream Girl represents an important hybrid breakthrough, combining the vigor and early bloom of sasanqua heritage with the dramatic size and form of reticulata flowers.

🌺 Bloom & Flower Form

• Type: Hybrid (C. sasanqua × C. reticulata)

• Bloom Time: Early season (often November–January in the South)

• Flowers: Very large, semi-double, ~15 cm across × 10 cm deep; wavy, irregular, upright petals in light pink tones

• Meaning: Symbolizes romance, admiration, and grandeur

🌿 Growth Habit

• Mature Size: Reaches 10–12 ft tall × 8–10 ft wide with time

• Habit: Upright, vigorous, evergreen shrub

• Foliage: Dark green leaves resembling those of ‘Buddha,’ broad and textured, providing a lush backdrop to massive blooms

🌱 Care Instructions

• Light: Thrives in partial shade or filtered sun; protect from harsh afternoon rays

• Soil: Acidic, rich, well-drained soil with organic matter

• Watering: Keep evenly moist; mulch well to retain moisture and protect roots

• Fertilizer: Apply acid-loving camellia/azalea fertilizer after flowering and midsummer; avoid late-season feeding

• Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape; avoid late pruning to preserve bud set

🌼 Complimentary Plant Pairings

• Azaleas → spring companions for layered seasonal color

• Gardenias → fragrance and evergreen balance

• Hydrangeas → bold summer flower contrast

• Ferns & Hostas → lush groundcover in shaded spaces

• Sasanqua Camellias → extend the flowering season

🌟 Why Dream Girl is Important

Dream Girl is an important hybrid camellia because it bridges two worlds: the early bloom and hardiness of sasanqua with the dramatic flower size of reticulatas. With its spectacular light pink, semi-double flowers, vigorous growth, and historic pedigree, it is a prized cultivar for collectors, camellia shows, and anyone who wants a true statement piece in their garden.

🪴 Dream Girl Camellia (3 Gallon) – A legendary hybrid with enormous blooms, romantic coloring, and Southern garden elegance.