Camellia sasanqua
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Pet safe
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About Camellia sasanqua
Camellia sasanqua blooms earlier than Camellia japonica, opening its single-to-semidouble flowers in fall through early winter rather than deep winter into spring, which means the two species together can provide nearly six months of continuous camellia bloom in a single Georgia landscape. It tolerates more sun than Camellia japonica, handling full sun to part shade, and generally grows a bit faster with a looser, more spreading habit that some cultivars can be trained as an espalier or informal hedge. It reaches 6-10 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide and, like all camellias, needs acidic, well-drained soil to perform well in Georgia's clay. Its fall bloom season means flowers coincide with the first cool weather rather than risking the hard freezes that can damage Camellia japonica's late-winter flowers, giving sasanqua slightly more reliable bloom display in most years. Fallen petals carpet the ground attractively beneath the shrub, an ornamental trait Southern gardeners specifically value in shaded fall garden beds.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 6-10 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 5-7 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, well-drained soil |
| Bloom Season | Fall through Early Winter |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Camellia sasanqua in full sun to part shade in acidic, well-drained soil amended with pine bark fines; it tolerates more sun than Camellia japonica but still appreciates some afternoon shade in peak Georgia summer heat. Mulch to retain consistent moisture. Water regularly through late summer and early fall as flower buds are forming. Prune, if needed, immediately after flowering finishes in early winter.
Fast Facts
- Blooms fall through early winter — earlier than Camellia japonica
- Tolerates more sun than Camellia japonica
- Mature size: 6-10 ft tall, 5-7 ft wide
- Can be trained as hedge or espalier
- Requires acidic, well-drained soil
- Pet safe, evergreen with attractive fallen-petal display
Pairs Well With
Camellia sasanqua FAQs
What is the difference between Camellia sasanqua and Camellia japonica?
Camellia sasanqua blooms in fall through early winter and tolerates more sun, while Camellia japonica blooms in winter through early spring and prefers more shade. Growing both provides nearly six months of overlapping camellia bloom color in a single Georgia landscape.
Do deer eat Camellia sasanqua?
Yes, Camellia sasanqua is not considered deer resistant and can be browsed by deer, especially newly planted specimens. In Gwinnett County areas with heavy deer pressure, fencing or repellent application is worth considering until the plant is well established.