SafePlants

Camellia sasanqua: The Autumn Blooming Beauty

Often overshadowed by its spring-flowering relatives, the Camellia sasanqua brings color and fragrance to gardens during autumn and early winter.

Considerations for Pets

• Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub.

Considerations for Children

• Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Camellia sasanqua
• Common Name: Sasanqua Camellia
• Family: Tea family (implied based on "The camellia is in the tea family")
• Synonyms/Related species mentioned: Camellia vernalis and Camellia hiemalis
• Taxonomic Rank: Dicot (as indicated by CASA26)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to China and Japan.
• Commonly found in the South (USA), often planted in older neighborhoods.
• Well-adapted to hotter climates such as Queensland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen shrub, growing up to 3 meters (9 feet) tall and 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide at a slow rate.
• Dark-green, shiny leaves, approximately 2 inches long.
• Mature height ranges from 2-3 feet to 12 feet, depending on the variety.
• Growth habits vary from small bushy shrubs to vigorous, upright forms.
• Flowers bloom from late autumn to early winter.
• Flowers come in a range of colors including deep rose pink, white, and dark red.
• Some varieties have slightly fragrant flowers.

Cultivars and Varieties

• Several cultivars are mentioned including:
  • 'Jean May'
  • 'Crimson King'
  • 'Narumigata'
  • 'Hugh Evans'
  • 'Yuletide'
  • 'Apple Blossom'
  • 'White Doves' ('Mine-No-Yuki')
  • 'Otome-Sazanka' ('Pink Pearl')
  • 'Versicolor'
  • 'Moonshadow'

Ecological Role

• Prefers a mild climate and needs protection in colder regions.
• Can tolerate direct sunlight (though mulch is recommended).