Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Northern Exposure Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Northern Exposure'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is a species of fall-blooming evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and a more sun-tolerant nature than many other camellias. They require acidic, well-drained soil to thrive.

'Northern Exposure' is a hybrid camellia specifically bred for improved cold hardiness, reliably surviving in USDA Zone 6. It features elegant, semi-double white flowers, often with a subtle pink blush on the petal edges, extending the range for fall-blooming camellias.

Uses & Benefits:

Its greatest benefit is bringing the elegance of fall-blooming camellias to colder climates where they previously could not be grown reliably. The beautiful white flowers brighten the autumn landscape.

It serves as a broadleaf evergreen in Zone 6, providing winter structure and color in landscapes often dominated by deciduous plants. It can be used as a foundation plant or a special specimen.

By blooming in the fall, it offers a late-season food source for any remaining active pollinators, such as bees, in its cooler growing zones.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early fall – Mid-fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site protected from winter wind with morning sun.
Ensure the soil is acidic and well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Plant with the root flare at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots.

Pro Tip

In the northern end of its range (Zone 6), plant it in a sheltered location, such as against an east-facing wall, to protect it from harsh winter winds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide a sheltered planting site, especially in Zone 6.
Water well in the autumn before the ground freezes.
Maintain a thick layer of mulch year-round.
Ensure soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Don't

Do not plant in an exposed, windy location.
Avoid planting in alkaline or poorly drained soil.
Don't let the plant dry out in its first few years.
Do not fertilize late in the season, as this can encourage tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hardy specimen for northern gardensFoundation planting in a protected locationMixed border anchor for fall interest

Companion Plants

Helleborus 'Winter Jewels'Rhododendron 'P.J.M.'Fothergilla gardenii Carex 'Evergold'Heuchera 'Caramel'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Northern Exposure Camellia questions

What zones can Northern Exposure Camellia grow in?

Northern Exposure Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Northern Exposure Camellia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Northern Exposure Camellia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Northern Exposure Camellia bloom?

Northern Exposure Camellia typically blooms in early fall through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Northern Exposure Camellia need full sun?

Northern Exposure Camellia does best in part shade.