Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Northern Lights Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Northern Lights'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub with smaller leaves and a more open habit than C. japonica. They are valued for their profuse fall to early winter blooms and greater sun tolerance.

'Northern Lights' produces beautiful, single to semi-double white flowers delicately edged in pink, surrounding a boss of golden stamens. It has a graceful, somewhat weeping habit.

Uses & Benefits:

The delicate, bicolored flowers provide a soft and elegant display in the fall garden. Its graceful, weeping habit adds a sense of movement and softness to the landscape year-round.

Its smaller, manageable size makes it perfect for small gardens, foundation plantings, or large containers. It can be used as a low, informal hedge that requires minimal pruning.

Offers a vital late-season nectar source for pollinators, supporting local bee and butterfly populations as they prepare for the dormant season.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Late fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and good sun exposure.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Plant with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native or amended soil, tamping gently.
Water deeply to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the stem.

Pro Tip

Allow its naturally weeping branches to cascade for a graceful effect; avoid heavy pruning that would destroy its form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first year.
Fertilize in spring with a formula for acid-loving plants.
Prune lightly after flowering in winter to enhance its natural shape.
Plant in a location with good air circulation to discourage disease.

Don't

Do not plant too deep; this is a primary cause of failure.
Avoid letting the soil become completely bone-dry.
Don't fertilize late in the season, as this can push tender new growth.
Never pile mulch up against the main stem of the plant.

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

Graceful low hedge or border plantCascading accent over a retaining wallElegant specimen in a small garden or container

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense MahoniaAutumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) Edgeworthia chrysantha Fatsia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Northern Lights Sasanqua Camellia questions

What zones can Northern Lights Sasanqua Camellia grow in?

Northern Lights Sasanqua 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 Northern Lights Sasanqua Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Northern Lights Sasanqua Camellia bloom?

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

Does Northern Lights Sasanqua Camellia need full sun?

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