How to Grow Camellia Sasanqua - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Camellia sasanqua is a plant that is native to parts of Asia, specifically China and Japan. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be anywhere from six to twelve feet tall. The leaves of the camellia sasanqua are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are typically white or pink.

How to Grow Camellia Sasanqua - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Camellia sinensis
  • Camellia japonica
  • Camellia oleifera
  • Azalea
  • Rhododendron

Good to Know

  • Camellia sasanqua is a species of Camellia native to southern Japan.
  • It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growing to 5–10 m tall.
  • The leaves are 6–12 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, with a finely serrated margin.
  • The flowers are white, 5–7 cm diameter, with 6–9 petals.
  • The flowering season is from October to November in Japan.
  • The fruit is a dry capsule 5–7 cm long, containing numerous small seeds.
  • C. sasanqua is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, and numerous cultivars have been selected, many with flowers in shades of pink as well as white.
  • It is one of the parents of the Camellia japonica hybrids.
  • C. sasanqua is also used as bonsai.
  • It is also used in the production of tea oil, which is used in cooking, cosmetics, and soaps.

Related plant:
Camellia Black Lace

Growing Steps

  1. For camellia sasanqua, first step is to find a well-drained, sunny location.
  2. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grasses.
  3. loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
  4. Add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to the planting area and mix it in well with the native soil.
  5. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the camellia sasanqua's root ball.
  6. Place the camellia sasanqua in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  7. Backfill the hole with the native soil, tamping it down lightly as you go.
  8. Water the camellia sasanqua deeply immediately after planting.
  9. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to pile the mulch up against the camellia sasanqua's stems.
  10. Water the camellia sasanqua regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

Related plant:
Camellia Tree

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Camellia sasanqua prefers sandy, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor soils, but does not like wet or waterlogged soils.

Light requirement

Like the other camellias, the camellia sasanqua is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright, direct sunlight. This plant is native to Japan and China, and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The camellia sasanqua is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in early winter.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that Camellia sasanqua prefers are cool to warm temperatures. It can tolerate some cold, but it will not tolerate freezing temperatures for long. This plant prefers partial sun to full sun. It is tolerant of some shade, but it will not tolerate deep shade.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the Camellia sasanqua will start to experience leaf drop. If the humidity gets too high, above 60%, the plant will start to develop fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant requires an acidic fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is to use camellia fertilizer or azalea fertilizer. Be sure to check the fertilizer package, as some fertilizers intended for other plants may damage camellias. The best time to fertilize is in early spring before the plant begins to grow. Applying fertilizer too late in the season can result in new growth that is more susceptible to cold damage. When applying fertilizer, be sure to wet the root area well first. This will help to ensure that the fertilizer goes where it is needed most.

Plant Pruning

Pruning camellias is essential to encourage new growth and to keep the plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also important to remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to prevent disease and pest problems.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a node and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not wet. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3 feet per year. However, some Camellia Sasanqua plants have been known to grow up to 5 feet per year. The rate at which a camellia sasanqua plant grows depends on the variety of plant, the growing conditions, and the amount of care the plant receives.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot. These problems are usually caused by fungi or bacteria. To prevent these problems, it is important to plant camellia sasanqua in well-drained soil and to water it only when the soil is dry. If you see any of these problems, you should remove the affected parts of the plant and destroy them.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your camellia sasanqua regularly, as they require moist soil to thrive.
  • Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the soil moist and help with weed control.
  • Fertilize your camellia sasanqua regularly with a camellia fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune your plant as needed to shape it and remove any dead or diseased branches.
  • Place your camellia sasanqua in an area that receives partial to full sun for best results.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and take action as needed to keep your plant healthy.
  • Be sure to provide adequate drainage for your camellia sasanqua to prevent root rot.
  • When planting, be sure to space your camellia sasanqua plants at least 3 feet apart to allow for proper air

Related Plants

  • Camellia thaibinhensis
  • Camellia sasanqua mirror lake
  • Camellia japonica
  • Camellia sasanqua alba plena
  • Camellia sinensis
  • Camellia hiemalis
  • Camellia reticulata
  • Camellia sasanqua variegata
  • Camellia oleifera
  • Camellia sasanqua younii

Source:
Camellia Sasanqua | Mississippi State University Extension Service
UNF - UNF Landscape - Camellia sasanqua - Fall-blooming camellia
Camellia sasanqua | Landscape Plant Propagation Information

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