shrub

Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Leslie Ann'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua are evergreen shrubs native to Japan, prized for their glossy foliage and attractive flowers that bloom in autumn.

'Leslie Ann' features beautiful, anemone-form double flowers that are white to blush pink with distinctive raspberry-pink edges, providing a striking fall display.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides spectacular color in the garden from fall into early winter when few other plants are blooming. Its glossy, dark green leaves offer year-round structure and beauty.
Practical UsesCan be trained as a dense evergreen hedge for privacy, an espalier against a wall, or grown as a beautiful container specimen for patios and courtyards.
Ecological BenefitsThe autumn flowers provide a valuable late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators preparing for winter.
SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Early fall – Late fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
  2. Ensure soil is acidic, organically rich, and well-draining.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  4. Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture.
  6. Apply an acid-forming fertilizer in spring after flowering.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level to ensure excellent drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Mulch with pine straw or pine bark to conserve moisture and acidify soil.
  • Provide consistent water, especially during dry spells.
  • Prune immediately after blooming to shape the plant and encourage branching.
  • Protect from harsh winter winds and hot afternoon sun.

Don't

  • Do not plant too deeply, as this can lead to root rot.
  • Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
  • Do not use alkaline fertilizers like bone meal.
  • Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as this removes flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant fall-blooming specimenGlossy evergreen hedge or screenWoodland garden accent plant

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia questions

What zones can Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia grow in?

Leslie Ann 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 Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia bloom?

Leslie Ann 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 Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Leslie Ann Sasanqua Camellia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.