Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Hot Flash Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Hot Flash'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub cherished for its autumn and early winter blooms, smaller leaves, and often more sun-tolerant nature compared to C. japonica.

'Hot Flash' is a compact, dense cultivar that produces a profusion of vibrant, fuchsia-pink, semi-double flowers in the fall. Its smaller stature makes it an excellent choice for containers or smaller garden spaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a stunning burst of vibrant fuchsia-pink color in the autumn garden when most other plants are fading. Its compact size and glossy evergreen foliage make it an attractive plant year-round.

Excellent for use as a low, flowering hedge or screen. Its dense habit is also perfect for foundation plantings or as a 'thriller' element in large container compositions for fall and winter interest.

The fall blooms offer a vital late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are still active before winter, helping to support local insect populations.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Southern Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early fall – Late fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Gently tease out any circling roots.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level.
Backfill with amended soil and water in well.
Apply a layer of acidic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Sasanqua camellias are more sun-tolerant than japonicas, but appreciate afternoon shade in the hottest climates for best performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
Provide consistent moisture during summer when buds are forming.
Mulch to conserve water and keep roots cool.
Fertilize in the spring with a product for acid-loving plants.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or alkaline soil.
Avoid planting too deep, which can suffocate the roots.
Don't let the plant dry out, especially in containers.
Avoid heavy pruning; only light shaping is needed after flowering.

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 fall-blooming hedgeColorful accent in a containerBright spot in a mixed border

Companion Plants

Loropetalum HelleborusAutumn Fern Mahonia Fatsia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hot Flash Camellia questions

What zones can Hot Flash Camellia grow in?

Hot Flash 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 Hot Flash Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Hot Flash Camellia bloom?

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

Does Hot Flash Camellia need full sun?

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