October Magic Ruby Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'October Magic'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Camellia sasanqua is a species of fall-blooming camellia, typically featuring smaller leaves and a more open, spreading habit than the later-blooming C. japonica. They are valued for bringing color to the autumn garden. 'October Magic Ruby' is a compact, dense selection with exceptionally small, dark green, glossy foliage. It produces a profusion of small, ruby-red, semi-double flowers in early to mid-fall.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Plant with the top of the root ball slightly above the soil line.
- Backfill with amended soil and water in well.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of pine straw or bark mulch.
- Water regularly for the first year to establish a deep root system.
Pro Tip
Sasanqua camellias tolerate more sun than japonicas; give them at least 4-6 hours of sun for the best flower production.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially in summer when buds are forming.
- Use an acid-forming fertilizer.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and density.
- Mulch to protect the shallow roots.
Don't
- Don't plant too deep.
- Don't let the plant dry out completely.
- Don't plant in alkaline or poorly drained soil.
- Don't prune in summer, or you will remove fall's flower buds.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
October Magic Ruby Camellia questions
What zones can October Magic Ruby Camellia grow in?
October Magic Ruby 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 Ruby Camellia deer resistant?
Yes — October Magic Ruby Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does October Magic Ruby Camellia bloom?
October Magic Ruby 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 October Magic Ruby Camellia need full sun?
October Magic Ruby Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'
Classic Pink Camellia
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Early Wonder Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Early Autumn'
Early Wonder Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Early Wonder'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow October Magic Ruby 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.
