Sasanqua camellia care guide
Camellia sasanqua
Also known as: Sasanqua, Camellia × hiemalis
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Sasanqua camellia
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; drying out in summer means fewer autumn flowers.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Flowering begins, so keep it from drying out; as a guide, water about a day after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Water less, but dry wind still dries the pot while it blooms; as a guide, water on a mild day once the soil is dry.
Light and placement for Sasanqua camellia
It likes more sun than Japanese camellia: generally a sunny, airy spot is best, half shade still works with fewer flowers, and summer sun is fine in the ground.
Overwintering Sasanqua camellia
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
On the Kanto and Kansai plains it usually overwinters outdoors; since it blooms from autumn into winter, a spot sheltered from hard frost and wind keeps the flowers longer, and pots go under eaves.
Fertilizing and repotting Sasanqua camellia
Fertilizer
As a guide, give a little slow-release fertilizer after flowering in February or March and again around June, none in midsummer or while it blooms.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Sasanqua camellia
- Tea tussock moth caterpillars strip the leaves, and touching them causes a rash.
- Trimming after midsummer removes the flower buds, so it does not bloom in autumn.
- A pot that dries out in summer drops its buds.
Tips for growing Sasanqua camellia
- Prune or trim right after flowering, by March, and leave it alone from July when buds form.
- Petals falling one by one is characteristic of sasanqua, not a disease.
- Check leaf undersides in early and late summer to catch tussock moth caterpillars early.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
