Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Sparkling Burgundy Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Sparkling Burgundy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is a species of evergreen shrub known for its smaller leaves and earlier, often fragrant, fall blooms compared to C. japonica. They typically have a more open, spreading growth habit and greater sun tolerance.

'Sparkling Burgundy' is celebrated for its vibrant, peony-form, ruby-red flowers that have a distinctive lavender or purple sheen. It has a vigorous, upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for a screen or hedge.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a spectacular display of richly colored, peony-like flowers in the fall. The glossy evergreen foliage provides a handsome backdrop year-round, making it a garden standout even when not in bloom.

Its vigorous, upright, and dense growth habit makes it an ideal choice for creating a living privacy screen or a formal clipped hedge. It also serves as a strong structural element in mixed borders.

The flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators that may be active during warm spells in the fall, a time when food sources are becoming scarce.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

USA (developed), parentage from Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic.

Bloom period

Early fall – Mid-fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Find a location with well-drained, acidic soil and protection from harsh winds.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the plant with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or bark mulch.

Pro Tip

Siting in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade will prolong the life of the flowers and protect foliage from scorch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment and bud set.
Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Provide good air circulation to prevent disease.
Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, alkaline soil.
Do not allow the root ball to dry out completely.
Do not prune in late summer or fall, as this will remove flower buds.
Do not plant in a location exposed to harsh winter winds.

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

Vibrant flowering hedge or screenBold specimen for fall colorBackbone of a mixed border

Companion Plants

Azaleas Rhododendrons Acer palmatumHellebores Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sparkling Burgundy Camellia questions

What zones can Sparkling Burgundy Camellia grow in?

Sparkling Burgundy 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 Sparkling Burgundy Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Sparkling Burgundy Camellia bloom?

Sparkling Burgundy Camellia typically blooms in early fall through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sparkling Burgundy Camellia need full sun?

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