Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan'

Camellia sasanqua 'Jennifer Susan'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia, characterized by its glossy dark green leaves and autumn-to-winter blooming period. Unlike Camellia japonica, this species exhibits greater sun tolerance and a more open, graceful growth habit that lends itself well to hedging or espalier.

'Jennifer Susan' is distinguished by its soft blush-pink, semi-double flowers featuring wavy, fluted petals surrounding a prominent central cluster of golden-yellow stamens. The subtly fragrant blooms appear in abundance from mid-fall through early winter on upright, slightly lax branches.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces soft pink, semi-double flowers with golden stamens from mid-fall through early winter against glossy evergreen foliage.

Functions as an excellent, easily trained hedge, privacy screen, or espalier due to its upright, dense, and graceful growth habit.

Provides a valuable late-season food source for native bees and other beneficial insect pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Asia (Japan, China)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Early winter

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with moist, well-drained, strongly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5) in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil amended with organic matter, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering finishes in late winter or early spring; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents regrowth as camellias do not readily sprout from bare stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to prevent flower bud drop.
Maintain a thick layer of organic mulch to keep shallow roots cool and moist.
Plant in strongly to slightly acidic soil with excellent drainage.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils prone to waterlogging.
Do not apply heavy alkaline fertilizers or lime to the soil.

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

HedgesPrivacy ScreensEspaliersSpecimen PlantingFoundation Plantings

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan' questions

What zones can Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan' grow in?

Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan' 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 Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan' deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan', especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan' bloom?

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

Does Sasanqua Camellia 'Jennifer Susan' need full sun?

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