Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Alabama Beauty Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Alabama Beauty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub prized for its autumn blooms, glossy foliage, and tolerance for more sun than C. japonica. They are a cornerstone of the southern garden, requiring acidic, well-drained soil.

'Alabama Beauty' is a selection from the Southern Living Plant Collection, noted for its vigorous, upright growth habit and profusion of stunning, deep rose-red, semi-double flowers. Its form makes it particularly well-suited for hedges and screens.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a spectacular display of rich, red flowers in the fall, providing a bold splash of color. The dark green, glossy foliage is attractive year-round, making it a handsome landscape plant even when not in bloom.

Its strong, upright growth makes it one of the best camellias for creating a tall, dense privacy screen or formal hedge. It can define a property line or screen an undesirable view effectively and beautifully.

Like other fall-blooming camellias, it provides a crucial late-season nectar source for pollinators such as bees, which helps sustain their populations as winter approaches.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

84 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early fall – Mid-fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and at least 4-5 hours of sun.
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is slightly elevated.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic matter.
Water deeply to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Apply a layer of pine straw or bark mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Its naturally upright habit requires less pruning to create a formal hedge than more spreading varieties; simply shear lightly after blooming.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide regular water during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Mulch annually to protect the shallow roots.
Ensure the soil is acidic and well-drained.
Prune after flowering to maintain the desired shape and size.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or heavy clay soils.
Avoid planting the root ball too deep.
Don't allow the plant to suffer from drought, especially in summer.
Avoid fertilizing in the late fall.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant upright privacy screen or hedgeColorful accent plant for entrywaysStrong vertical element in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense 'Ruby'Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty'Aspidistra elatior Hydrangea quercifolia Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Alabama Beauty Camellia questions

What zones can Alabama Beauty Camellia grow in?

Alabama Beauty 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 Alabama Beauty Camellia deer resistant?

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

When does Alabama Beauty Camellia bloom?

Alabama Beauty Camellia typically blooms in early fall through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Alabama Beauty Camellia need full sun?

Alabama Beauty Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.