Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

Autumn Moon Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Autumn Moon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is a dense, evergreen shrub native to East Asia, featuring glossy, dark green foliage with finely serrated margins on slender branches. It produces single to semi-double flowers from mid-fall into early winter, providing essential structure and bloom when surrounding species are dormant.

'Autumn Moon' forms a vigorous, upright columnar shrub with heart-shaped petals arranged in pure white, formal double blooms up to four inches wide. Its compact, dense branch framework and dark foliage create a sharp, architectural backdrop for autumn and winter gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers bright, pure white formal double blossoms during late autumn and winter when few other shrubs bloom.

Functions cleanly as a high hedge or narrow screen due to its dense, columnar habit.

Provides sheltered winter roosting habitat for small songbirds and cover for beneficial insects.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108"

Width

60"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall – Winter

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location that receives morning sunlight and dappled afternoon shade.
Amend heavy garden soil with organic matter to ensure acid pH between 5.0 and 6.5 and rapid drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the root crown rests slightly above soil level.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly right after flowering ceases in early spring; cutting deeply into old, leafless stems prevents fresh bud formation.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain steady moisture during the first growing season until roots establish.
Plant in acidic, organically amended soil that drains water quickly.
Apply an acidifying fertilizer immediately after early spring pruning.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy or waterlogged sites where roots will decay.
Do not expose foliage to harsh, direct afternoon sun.
Do not shear heavily into bare, old 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

Columnar focal pointNarrow privacy screen or hedgeMixed shrub border accentEspalier against a shaded wall

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Rhododendron Pieris japonica Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Moon Camellia questions

What zones can Autumn Moon Camellia grow in?

Autumn Moon Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Moon Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Autumn Moon Camellia bloom?

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

Does Autumn Moon Camellia need full sun?

Autumn Moon Camellia does best in part shade.

Is Autumn Moon Camellia drought tolerant?

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