The Story
Plant Bio
Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub native to Japan, known for its fall-blooming flowers, smaller leaves, and more sun-tolerant nature than C. japonica.
'October Magic Bride' (Green 94-035) is a compact selection with a dense, upright habit, producing a profusion of small, white, fully double flowers in autumn.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
42 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Japan
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, moist, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
- Set the plant so its root flare is slightly above soil level.
- Backfill the hole with amended soil, tamping gently.
- Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
- Apply a layer of mulch like pine straw or bark chips.
Pro Tip
For the best flower production, provide at least four hours of direct morning sun, but protect from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Use a fertilizer specifically for acid-loving plants.
- Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
- Provide good air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Don't
- Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil.
- Avoid planting too deeply, which can lead to root rot.
- Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially during bud formation.
- Refrain from heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
October Magic Bride Camellia questions
What zones can October Magic Bride Camellia grow in?
October Magic Bride 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 Bride Camellia deer resistant?
Yes — October Magic Bride Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does October Magic Bride Camellia bloom?
October Magic Bride 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 Bride Camellia need full sun?
October Magic Bride Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Camellia to compare

Kramer's Supreme Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme'

Sea Foam Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Sea Foam'

Classic Pink Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Classic Pink'

Setsugekka Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'

High Fragrance Camellia
Camellia 'High Fragrance'

Jerry Hill Camellia
Camellia japonica 'Jerry Hill'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow October Magic Bride 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.


























