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Camellia sasanqua Susy Dirr

Beautiful blooms put on a show stopping tribute

Susy Dirr, daughter of Dr. Michael and Bonnie Dirr was born with cystic fibrosis, which makes the act of breathing a life and death struggle. Undaunted by her disease, she was valedictorian of her high school class and an honor student at the University of GA, graduating with a degree in advertising a year ahead of her class. Cystic fibrosis did not define Susy as a person. She embraced life with a joyful spirit that was uplifting to everyone around her. She made the world a better place with her compassion for others, her biting wit and brilliant mind. When a soul shines so bright, we see it in all things beautiful. So, as summer fades and hints of autumn are in the air, reflections of these lovely flowers, graceful in form and with the sweet fragrance of newly opened tea, begin to fill our senses. We reflect on Susy’s life and know that a part of her spirit remains with us in the garden.

Graceful in form and one of the loveliest of autumn flowers, the soft fragrance of sasanqua conjure up memories of southern gardens amass with blooms. These new selections offer all of the nuances we’ve grown to love in sasanqua and then some. There is a shape, size and color to fit any garden. Bobby Green, the breeder of this Camellia has generously gifted his share of the proceeds from each plant to the Sweet Melissa Fund, which helps families with cystic fibrosis. 

Who Am I?

  • Common Name:
    Susy Dirr camellia
  • Botanical Name:
    Camellia sasanqua 'Susy Dirr' PP24888
  • Type:
    Shrub
  • Evergreen:
    YES

Cultural Details

TYPE

Shrub

EVERGREEN

YES
  • Light:
    Full sun / Afternoon shade
  • Soil:
    Average garden soil
  • Moisture:
    Moist, but well drained
  • Hardiness Zone
    7-9
  • Bloom Time:
    October-November
  • Bloom Color:
    Pink
  • Size:
    8-12' tall by 5-7' wide
  • Diseases & Pests:
    Occasional scale

What Makes Me Special?

This lovely, fall blooming camellia will be a dense, robust grower in your garden. Elegant, formal, double carmine-pink flowers show off nicely against dark green leaves.

Landscape Use

Focal point, screens, mixed borders

Pruning

These camellias flower in fall. Should they need any pruning to shape them, be sure to do that in early spring to allow for enough time for flowers buds to form.

Propagation

Cuttings

Who Am I?

  • Common Name:
    Susy Dirr camellia
  • Botanical Name:
    Camellia sasanqua 'Susy Dirr' PP24888
  • Type:
    Shrub
  • Evergreen:
    YES

Image Library

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