Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

October Magic Ruby Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'October Magic'

$19.99

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.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular burst of ruby-red color in the autumn garden when many other plants are fading. Its fine-textured, glossy evergreen foliage is attractive year-round.

Its compact, dense habit makes it ideal for low hedges, foundation plantings, or as a standalone specimen in a container or small garden space.

Offers a late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are still active in the fall.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

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

Bloom period

Early fall – Mid-fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$19.99

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

Colorful low hedge for fall interestFoundation planting with autumn bloomsElegant container specimen

Companion Plants

Helleborus Dryopteris erythrosora Loropetalum Fatsia japonica Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'

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.