Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Bonanza Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Bonanza'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub known for its fall to early winter blooms, smaller leaves, and more open, spreading habit compared to C. japonica. They are also more tolerant of sun and drought.

'Bonanza' is a popular cultivar with a low, spreading habit and vibrant, semi-double, peony-form flowers in a brilliant reddish-pink. It's an abundant and reliable bloomer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular floral display in autumn when most other shrubs have finished blooming. Its low, spreading form and glossy evergreen leaves are attractive year-round.

Ideal for use as a flowering groundcover, low hedge, or foundation planting. Can also be trained as an espalier against a wall.

Offers a late-season nectar source for pollinators like bees that are still active in the fall.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Late winter

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and at least 4 hours of sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with good air circulation to help prevent petal blight on the abundant fall flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during hot, dry weather.
Mulch to protect the shallow roots and conserve moisture.
Fertilize in the spring with a product for acid-loving plants.
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soil.
Avoid planting too deep.
Don't allow the soil to completely dry out.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant low hedge or borderColorful foundation plantingExcellent groundcover for gentle slopes

Companion Plants

LoropetalumEncore Azalea HostaJapanese Maple Mahonia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bonanza Camellia questions

What zones can Bonanza Camellia grow in?

Bonanza 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 Bonanza Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Bonanza Camellia bloom?

Bonanza 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 Bonanza Camellia need full sun?

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

Is Bonanza Camellia drought tolerant?

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