Bursts of fall color

ENJOYED the article on sasanqua camellias [“This Beauty Shows Its Colors Early,” Nov. 30]. I have more than a dozen camellias, and more than half of them are sasanquas. Nothing is more simple yet elegant than the blushing white petals of a ‘Cleopatra’ as its petals melt upon the leaves like a Dali painting.

My absolute favorite and best performer is ‘Yuletide.’ Now more than 20 years old, it is 4 feet high and spreads wider than 6 feet, blooming from October through February.

The plants are often admired, and I give them as gifts. Nuccio’s Nurseries in Altadena is truly a treasure in Southern California. Not only is the selection unbelievable, but the friendly family service is rare and exceptional.

THOMAS C. CASWELL

La Canada Flintridge

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WITH so many sasanquas to choose from, it’s hard to note all the standouts, but I was still surprised that none of the sasanqua fanciers interviewed in Lili Singer’s article made mention of ‘Showa-No-Sakae.’ It grows vigorously and has an elegant arching habit.

It may not be unusual in the beauty, size or fragrance of its flowers (medium-size, clear pink, semidouble to peony form), but it has one of the longest bloom seasons of any camellia.

It flowers profusely from early September through January -- even into early February -- long after the short-seasoned ‘Narumi-gata,’ ‘Shibori Egao’ and others have made way for japonica camellias.

JANE AUERBACH

Los Angeles