Sasanqua Camellia

camellia sasanqua

Also known as: ["Sasanqua Tea Plant","Japanese Tea Plant"]

Family: Theaceae Genus: Camellia Category: Flowers

Overview

An evergreen shrub native to Japan, known for its fragrant, small, white to pink flowers that bloom in autumn.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Theales
Family: Theaceae
Genus: Camellia
Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: protected garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining soil with organic matter like peat moss or compost.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, filtered afternoon light); adjust based on intensity and season.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun; provide dappled light in hot climates.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) indicate poor drainage or pH imbalance; wilting despite moist soil suggests root rot.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full morning sun

Morning sun is best; avoid intense afternoon sun; adjust shade cloth if needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

acidic, well-draining, peat-rich potting mix

pH: 5.0–6.5 (acidic).

Test pH regularly; amend with sulfur if too alkaline; ensure good aeration.

Temperature

Prefers 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring before new growth; water before and after feeding; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is mature.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting system.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts and selective heading back to maintain form.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant, remove dead or weak growth, and encourage flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or crossing branches; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and encourage growth.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a month.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add peat moss, compost, or pine bark to improve acidity and drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; bud drop or wilting in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to bud drop or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap screens in severe cold; avoid overwatering.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dehydration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce feeding in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Camellia sasanqua may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or magnesium, improper soil pH, overwatering, or root issues, affecting overall plant health.

Wilting in Camellia sasanqua can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Camellia sasanqua may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to aesthetic damage, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Camellia sasanqua is often caused by excessive moisture, poor drainage, or fungal pathogens, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Camellia sasanqua is not considered toxic to cats. The seeds contain tannins, which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume large amounts of seeds, but ingestion of small quantities is unlikely to cause harm.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Camellia sasanqua is not considered toxic to dogs. The seeds contain tannins, which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume large amounts of seeds, but ingestion of small quantities is unlikely to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Camellia sasanqua is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain small amounts of tannins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consuming large quantities of seeds to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does Camellia sasanqua bloom?

A: It typically blooms in autumn, from late October to December.

Q: Is Camellia sasanqua toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How much sunlight does Camellia sasanqua need?

A: It prefers partial shade, especially protection from hot afternoon sun.

Quick Reference
Family: Theaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full morning
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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