shrub RHS Award

Mine-No-Yuki Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Mine-No-Yuki'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is a species of evergreen shrub native to Japan, admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and profuse flowering in autumn and early winter. They are generally more sun-tolerant and have a more open, spreading habit than their C. japonica relatives.

'Mine-No-Yuki', which translates to 'Snow on the Ridge', is a beloved classic known for its cascading habit and abundant, large, semi-double pure white flowers with golden stamens. It is also sold under the name 'White Doves'.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThis camellia is a star of the autumn garden, providing a profusion of beautiful white flowers when other plants are dormant. Its glossy evergreen foliage and graceful, arching habit provide year-round structure and beauty.
Practical UsesIts dense growth makes it an excellent choice for a privacy screen or hedge. The flexible branches of 'Mine-No-Yuki' are particularly well-suited for training as an espalier against a wall or fence, creating a living work of art.
Ecological BenefitsThe fall-blooming flowers provide a late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are still active in warmer climates, helping to support them before winter sets in.
SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

84 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early fall – Late fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light.
  2. Ensure soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
  4. Set the plant 1-2 inches higher than the surrounding soil grade.
  5. Backfill with amended soil and build a slight mound up to the root ball.
  6. Water thoroughly and apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball one to two inches above the surrounding soil level, to ensure excellent drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide acidic, well-drained soil.
  • Mulch annually to protect shallow roots and retain moisture.
  • Water consistently, especially during hot, dry summer months.
  • Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.

Don't

  • Do not plant in heavy, alkaline, or waterlogged soil.
  • Avoid planting too deep; this is a common cause of failure.
  • Don't let the root ball dry out completely.
  • Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful specimen for a woodland edgeElegant espalier against a wall or fenceLuminous foundation planting for fall color

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mine-No-Yuki Camellia questions

What zones can Mine-No-Yuki Camellia grow in?

Mine-No-Yuki Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mine-No-Yuki Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Mine-No-Yuki Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mine-No-Yuki Camellia bloom?

Mine-No-Yuki Camellia typically blooms in early fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mine-No-Yuki Camellia need full sun?

Mine-No-Yuki Camellia does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Mine-No-Yuki Camellia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.