Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an upright, dense evergreen shrub native to the lowland forests of southern Japan. It produces glossy, dark green leaves with finely serrated margins and blooms from late fall into winter, offering nectar when most other woody plants are dormant.

'Yuletide' is distinguished by its compact, erect habit and brilliant, fiery red single flowers centered with a prominent mass of bright golden-yellow stamens. This cultivar is highly favored for holiday-season color, with a blooming period that extends from late fall through mid-winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking winter color with bright red flowers and maintains dense, glossy evergreen foliage year-round.

Functions well as an elegant hedge, privacy screen, or foundation planting in acidic soils.

Offers a vital late-season source of pollen and nectar for bees and provides dense shelter for songbirds.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

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 acidic, well-draining soil that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but slightly shallower, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil amended with organic matter, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as pine needles or bark, keeping it clear of the main stem to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil grade; burying the crown or planting in heavy, poorly drained soil leads to fatal Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch the root zone to maintain soil moisture and acidity.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage bushier growth.

Don't

Do not plant too deep, as burying the crown leads to stem rot and plant decline.
Do not prune late in the season, which removes the developing flower buds for the coming winter.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or sit in standing water.

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

HedgeSpecimenFoundation PlantingMixed BorderScreening

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta Polystichum munitum

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 7–10. 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 full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.