Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Cotton Candy Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Cotton Candy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is a species of evergreen shrub known for its fall-to-winter blooming season, smaller leaves, and more open, spreading habit compared to C. japonica. They are also more sun-tolerant.

'Cotton Candy' is a vigorous, upright cultivar that produces an abundance of fragrant, semi-double, clear pink flowers with golden stamens. Its beautiful blooms provide welcome color and scent in the autumn garden.

Uses & Benefits:

'Cotton Candy' provides a stunning floral display in fall and early winter when few other shrubs are in bloom. Its fragrant, delicate pink flowers and handsome evergreen foliage bring life and elegance to the quiet season garden.

With its dense, upright growth, it is an excellent choice for a tall, informal hedge or privacy screen that doesn't require constant shearing. It can also be trained as an espalier against a fence or wall, creating a beautiful living tapestry.

The late-season blooms offer a crucial nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are still active in the cooler months. The evergreen structure provides important shelter for birds during the winter.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Late winter

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained, acidic soil and protection from harsh winds.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a layer of mulch like pine straw or shredded bark.

Pro Tip

Plant Sasanqua camellias in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect blooms from scorching and prolong their display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during dry spells in summer when buds are forming.
Use an acidic fertilizer.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.

Don't

Don't plant in heavy, wet soil.
Avoid planting too deep.
Don't let the plant dry out, especially in its first few years.
Avoid cultivating around the shallow roots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant flowering privacy screen or hedgeGraceful specimen for autumn colorExcellent candidate for espalier against a wall

Companion Plants

Helleborus Rhododendron Mahonia Fatsia japonicaAutumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cotton Candy Camellia questions

What zones can Cotton Candy Camellia grow in?

Cotton Candy 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 Cotton Candy Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Cotton Candy Camellia bloom?

Cotton Candy 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 Cotton Candy Camellia need full sun?

Cotton Candy Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cotton Candy Camellia drought tolerant?

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