Sasanqua camellia
Camellia sasanqua · Theaceae
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sasanqua camellia and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green and glossy
- Flowering
- Autumn to winter (October to December)
- Adult size
- Up to 2.5 m tall
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -10 °C (temperate zones)
- Origin
- Japan (Sasanqua island)
- Soil type
- Acidic to neutral, well-drained
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant in shelter from cold north-east winds and scorching midday sun. Camellia sasanqua prefers light dappled shade in hot climates.
The common mistake
Planting it in full sun in Mediterranean climates: flower buds burn and leaves become discolored.
The pro's trick
Water with soft or rainwater: limescale causes gradual yellowing of leaves.
Care
Light Exposure
Place your Sasanqua camellia in partial shade or light shade. Although it tolerates bright light, areas that are too sunny can scorch the flowers and dry out the foliage. A protected east or south-east facing position is ideal in warm regions.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged, particularly during flowering and growth periods. Water regularly in summer and autumn. Rainwater is preferable to hard water, which can cause leaf chlorosis.
Soil
Use an acidic or slightly acidic substrate (pH 5.5 to 6.5), rich in organic matter and well-drained. Improve garden soil with peat or leaf mould if your soil is chalky.
Fertiliser
Apply a balanced fertiliser or one specific for acid-loving plants in spring and early summer. Reduce applications in autumn to promote flowering. Avoid excess, which would slow flower formation.
Pruning and Structure
Prune lightly after flowering (January-February) to maintain a compact and airy shape. Remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid hard pruning, which would reduce next year's flowering.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for scale insects and spider mites indoors or in glasshouses. Powdery mildew and monilia can affect flowers in very humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and remove spent flowers promptly.
Did you know?
Sasanqua camellia is one of the first camellia species cultivated in Japan, where it symbolises the winter season and resilience. Its flowers appear when most other garden plants are dormant, making it a precious species for extending autumn and winter flowering in temperate climates.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Tea plantCamellia sinensis
- Japanese stewartiaStewartia pseudocamellia
- To-tsubakiCamellia reticulata
- Camellia lutchuensisCamellia lutchuensis
- Camellia hybrCamellia hybr
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.