Use sasanqua camellias for fall and winter blooms

Our southern fall and winter landscapes are brought to life by the beautiful blooms of sasanqua camellias, whose vibrant blooms add charm from October through December.

A timeless choice for seasonal interests, these versatile shrubs offer dazzling blooms and evergreen foliage year-round. Let’s take a closer look at some standout varieties and how to care for them to ensure they’re successful in your landscape.

One of my favorites, Shishi Gashira, has a mounding habit and an abundance of bright pink, semi-double flowers. Each flower has slightly ruffled petals and a warm golden yellow center. They radiate a gentle yet lively charisma.

This camellia’s lush blooms paired with its glossy, deep green leaves make it the perfect choice for borders, ground cover, or even container plantings.

The Christmas camellia is a popular classic and is known for its bright red flowers with cheerful golden yellow flower centers. This makes it a festive highlight in holiday landscapes.

Yuletide blooms from late fall to early winter and has medium-sized, single-petaled flowers that are typically 2 to 3 inches in diameter. These bright flowers create a striking contrast to the dark green, glossy foliage. Its compact, upright shape adds structure and elegance, whether as a solitary plant or in groups to anchor garden beds.

If you are looking for a romantic touch, I recommend the Chansonette variety. This camellia has pink, semi-double flowers. The layers of ruffled petals give the flowers a peony-like delicacy, creating a soft, elegant effect.

This variety is particularly striking when planted in mixed borders or cascaded over low walls. Its deep green, evergreen foliage provides an attractive backdrop year-round.

To keep sasanqua camellias healthy and thriving, plant them in locations with partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Although they tolerate more sun than Camellia japonica, excessive direct sunlight can burn their leaves.

For best results, choose well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. If your soil is alkaline, a soil acidifier can help create ideal growing conditions.

Water camellias regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. However, avoid waterlogging as camellias do not like overly saturated roots.

Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds. I like to use pine straw as mulch around my camellias. Make sure the mulch is a few inches away from the trunks to prevent rot.

I fertilize my camellias in early spring after flowering with a balanced, acid-producing camellia fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can harm the plant.

Prune the plant immediately after flowering to shape it. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms for next season.

With proper care, Sasanqua camellias will reward you with spectacular fall and winter flowers and lush evergreen foliage that will enhance your landscape year-round. Their diverse shapes, bright flowers and low maintenance make them a must for southern landscapes.