Species

1 other cultivar

‘Shishigashira’Shishigashira Camellia

shrub

Rose of Autumn Camellia

Camellia hiemalis 'Rose Of Autumn'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia hiemalis, a group of hybrids between C. japonica and C. sasanqua, are evergreen shrubs known for their profuse fall to early winter blooms and glossy foliage. They tend to have a more spreading habit than C. japonica.

'Rose of Autumn' is a classic cultivar featuring large, semi-double, clear pink flowers with prominent golden stamens. It has a vigorous, slightly weeping habit and blooms heavily from mid-fall into winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular floral display of large, clear pink, semi-double flowers from fall into winter, a time when few other shrubs are in bloom. The glossy, dark green evergreen foliage is attractive year-round.

Excellent as a specimen plant, in a mixed border, or grown as an informal hedge or screen. Can also be espaliered against a wall or fence for a formal look.

The late-season flowers offer a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are still active in warmer climates during the fall and winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Cultivar of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Late winter

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sheltered site with acidic, well-drained soil
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above grade
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost
Water thoroughly to settle the soil
Mulch with pine straw or bark, keeping it away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Site camellias where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade to protect blooms from burning and foliage from winter damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during summer when flower buds are forming
Use an acidic fertilizer
Protect from harsh winter winds and sun

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soil
Avoid planting too deep
Do not let the plant dry out during bud set in late summer

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen for a woodland gardenFlowering screen or informal hedgeGraceful accent near a patio or entryway

Companion Plants

RhododendronAzalea Hosta Helleborus Athyrium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rose of Autumn Camellia questions

What zones can Rose of Autumn Camellia grow in?

Rose of Autumn 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 Rose of Autumn Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Rose of Autumn Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Rose of Autumn Camellia bloom?

Rose of Autumn Camellia typically blooms in mid-fall through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rose of Autumn Camellia need full sun?

Rose of Autumn Camellia does best in part shade.