Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

38 other cultivars

shrub

Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an upright, dense evergreen shrub native to the warm-temperate forest margins and scrublands of southern Japan. The species features glossy, leathery dark green leaves with finely serrated margins and produces fragrant flowers from fall through early winter.

'Setsugekka' is distinguished by large, semi-double white flowers measuring approximately four inches across with heavily fluted, undulating petals. These blooms open to reveal a prominent central cluster of bright golden-yellow stamens against cascading, semi-weeping branches.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides late-season color with large white flowers and year-round structure from glossy, dark green evergreen foliage.

Functions as an excellent dense hedge, privacy screen, or espalier specimen due to its upright, arching growth habit.

Offers late-season pollen and nectar resources for bees and other generalist insect pollinators when other floral sources are scarce.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Winter

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, organic-rich soil that receives morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but slightly shallower to ensure the crown remains elevated above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil amended with organic matter, tamping gently to eliminate air pockets without compacting the root zone.
Water thoroughly and apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant the root flare slightly above the surrounding soil grade to prevent collar rot, and avoid pruning after midsummer to preserve the developing flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to prevent bud drop and leaf scorch, especially while the plant is establishing.
Apply a specialized acid-loving fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer.
Prune immediately after flowering finishes in late winter to shape the canopy and thin crowded interior branches.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained soils where standing water will rapidly induce Phytophthora root rot.
Do not shear hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant recovers slowly and patchily from deep cuts.
Do not prune in late summer or fall, which removes the current season's flower buds.

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

HedgeSpecimen PlantFoundation PlantingMixed BorderEspalier

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sasanqua Camellia questions

What zones can Sasanqua Camellia grow in?

Sasanqua Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. 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 deer resistant?

Yes — Sasanqua Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sasanqua Camellia bloom?

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

Does Sasanqua Camellia need full sun?

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

Is Sasanqua Camellia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sasanqua Camellia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.