Camellia sasanqua 'October Magic Carpet'

Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

October Magic Carpet Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'October Magic Carpet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub native to southern coastal regions of Japan, producing glossy foliage and solitary blooms from fall into early winter. Unlike Camellia japonica, it tolerates brighter light and features smaller, finely serrated leaves on compact woody growth.

'October Magic Carpet' is a low-growing groundcover cultivar reaching three feet high and five feet wide with an extremely spreading habit. It features bright pink, frilled blooms with yellow center stamens set against dark olive-green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides low-spreading evergreen cover with bright pink fall and early winter flowers.

Functions as a low maintenance groundcover for sloping or elevated acidic beds.

Offers late-season nectar and pollen for beneficial insects and passing birds.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Fall – Early winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with afternoon protection in hot climates.
Amend sandy or loamy soil with organic matter to ensure an acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and position the root flare slightly above grade.
Water thoroughly at planting and establish a consistent moisture schedule while roots develop.

Pro Tip

Position the root flare level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade to prevent crown rot, and avoid summer pruning which strips developing flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained.
Prune immediately after flowering finishes in early spring.
Apply an acid-formulated fertilizer in spring.

Don't

Do not plant the crown below the surrounding soil line.
Do not prune hard into bare, leafless old wood.
Do not allow soil to waterlog or sit in stagnant conditions.

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

GroundcoverFoundation PlantingMass PlantingBorder Edging

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Heuchera Rhododendron Sarcococca hookeriana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

October Magic Carpet Camellia questions

What zones can October Magic Carpet Camellia grow in?

October Magic Carpet 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 October Magic Carpet Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does October Magic Carpet Camellia bloom?

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

Does October Magic Carpet Camellia need full sun?

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

Is October Magic Carpet Camellia drought tolerant?

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