shrub

October Magic Bride Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Green 94-035'

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:

Ornamental UsesIts compact size and profusion of elegant white flowers make it a standout in the autumn garden. It's perfect as a specimen in small gardens, in containers on a patio, or planted in groups for a stunning mass display.
Practical UsesThe dense, evergreen foliage makes it an excellent choice for a low, formal or informal hedge that provides year-round interest and screening. It can also be trained as an espalier against a wall.
Ecological BenefitsThe autumn blooms provide a valuable late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators preparing for winter.
SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

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

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
  3. Set the plant so its root flare is slightly above soil level.
  4. Backfill the hole with amended soil, tamping gently.
  5. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright accent for the autumn gardenCompact formal hedge or screenElegant container specimen

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.

Keep exploring

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.