Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'William Lanier Hunt'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is a species of evergreen shrub known for its autumn to early winter blooms, glossy foliage, and often fragrant flowers. They are typically more sun-tolerant and have a more open, spreading habit than C. japonica.

'William Lanier Hunt' is a vigorous cultivar prized for its large, single, rose-pink flowers with a prominent boss of golden stamens. Its blooms provide welcome color in the late season garden.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular color in the autumn and early winter garden when few other shrubs are in bloom. Its glossy evergreen foliage offers year-round structure and beauty.

Can be used effectively as an informal hedge or privacy screen, providing a dense barrier. It is also an excellent choice for container gardening on patios or in courtyards.

The late-season flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are active on warm days in fall and winter.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Early fall – Late fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil and protection from winter winds.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or pine bark.
Set the plant slightly high, with the root flare above the soil line.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of acidic mulch.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball 1-2 inches above surrounding soil, to ensure excellent drainage and prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Use an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for camellias or azaleas.
Mulch with pine straw or bark to conserve moisture and acidify soil.
Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
Avoid cultivating around the shallow roots.
Do not let the plant dry out completely, especially in its first few years.
Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.

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

Elegant foundation plantingGraceful woodland garden specimenFlowering informal hedge or screen

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Helleborus orientalis Pieris japonica Hydrangea macrophyllaFerns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua Camellia questions

What zones can William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua Camellia grow in?

William Lanier Hunt 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 William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua Camellia bloom?

William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua 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 William Lanier Hunt Sasanqua Camellia need full sun?

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