Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Marge Miller'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub native to the lowland forests and scrublands of southern Japan, characterized by dark green, glossy foliage and autumn-to-winter blooms. Unlike the larger-flowered Camellia japonica, this species features smaller, highly flexible branches and a more sun-tolerant nature, making it highly adaptable in temperate landscapes.

'Marge Miller' is distinguished by its naturally prostrate, cascading growth habit that functions as a dense groundcover or a weeping specimen when grafted onto a standard. The soft pink, semi-double to loose double flowers measure up to three inches across and open continuously from early fall through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides unique weeping structure and glossy evergreen foliage, topped with soft pink blooms in late fall and winter.

Functions as an effective groundcover for erosion control on sloped, semi-shaded banks.

Offers late-season nectar and pollen for bees and generalist pollinators when other flowers are scarce.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

31"

Width

118"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall – Winter

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with filtered morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat.
Amend the soil with generous amounts of organic matter to achieve an acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Dig a shallow hole and position the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent waterlogging.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem, and water deeply to settle the roots.

Pro Tip

Planting directly into heavy, unamended clay or alkaline soil triggers rapid root rot; always use raised beds or mounds with highly organic, acidic mulch to ensure perfect drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
Prune lightly in early spring immediately after flowering to preserve next season's buds.
Apply a slow-release, acid-loving fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils without raising the planting bed.
Avoid pruning late in the season, which removes the developing autumn flower buds.
Do not apply lime or plant near concrete foundations where alkaline runoff can raise soil pH.

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

GroundcoverSpilloverWeeping StandardWoodland GardenContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Pieris japonica Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sasanqua Camellia questions

What zones can Sasanqua Camellia grow in?

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 Sasanqua Camellia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sasanqua Camellia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sasanqua Camellia bloom?

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

Does Sasanqua Camellia need full sun?

Sasanqua Camellia does best in part shade.

Is Sasanqua Camellia drought tolerant?

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