Camellia sasanqua 'October Magic White Shi-Shi'

Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'October Magic White Shi-Shi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen Asian shrub featuring small, thick dark green leaves and a dense, rounded habit. Unlike spring-blooming camellias, it opens its flowers from fall into early winter on flexible branches.

'October Magic White Shi-Shi' forms a compact bush reaching three to four feet tall with coppery-bronze emerging growth. Its porcelain-white formal double blooms open reliably in fall against glossy, dark foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces porcelain-white formal double blooms from fall to early winter set against glossy foliage.

Functions as a manageable evergreen foundation plant or low hedge requiring minimal shaping.

Provides late-season nectar and pollen for foraging bees when few other shrubs bloom.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall – Early winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location with well-draining acidic soil that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant elevated slightly above ground level.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Apply a slow-release acidifying fertilizer once in early spring as new growth begins.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering finishes in early winter; cutting back into old leafless interior wood stops regrowth, as dormant buds do not break on bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-draining acidic soil with the root crown slightly elevated.
Water deeply during dry summer periods while the plant establishes.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering in early winter.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained heavy clay or standing water.
Do not prune in spring or summer, which removes upcoming flower buds.
Do not cut heavily into old, bare interior wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low informal hedgeFoundation plantingContainer accentCourtyard border

Companion Plants

Heuchera Acer palmatum Rhododendron Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia questions

What zones can October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia grow in?

October Magic White Shi-Shi 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 October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia bloom?

October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia typically blooms in fall through early winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia need full sun?

October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.