Yuletide Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
108 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub native to Japan, prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant, autumn-to-winter flowers. They are generally more sun-tolerant and have a more open habit than C. japonica. 'Yuletide' is renowned for its profusion of single, brilliant fiery-red flowers centered with a boss of bright yellow stamens. It blooms prolifically from fall into winter, often around the holiday season.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil and protection from harsh winds.
- Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is 1-2 inches above grade.
- Backfill with amended soil, creating a slight mound.
- Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
- Apply a 3-inch layer of acidic mulch like pine straw or bark.
Pro Tip
Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level, to ensure excellent drainage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons.
- Mulch annually to protect the shallow roots and retain moisture.
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant and encourage bushiness.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
- Avoid planting in alkaline soils; this will cause yellow leaves (chlorosis).
- Don't allow the root ball to dry out completely.
- Avoid cultivating around the base of the plant to protect its shallow roots.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Yuletide Camellia questions
What zones can Yuletide Camellia grow in?
Yuletide 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 Yuletide Camellia deer resistant?
Yes — Yuletide Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Yuletide Camellia bloom?
Yuletide Camellia typically blooms in late fall through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Yuletide Camellia need full sun?
Yuletide Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Yuletide Camellia drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Yuletide Camellia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Camellia to compare
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Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme'
Sea Foam Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Sea Foam'
Setsugekka Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'
Classic Pink Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Classic Pink'
Early Wonder Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Early Autumn'
Early Wonder Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Early Wonder'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Yuletide 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.
