Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sasanqua camellia
BeginnerCamellia sasanqua
An evergreen camellia that blooms white to pink from late autumn into winter. Unlike Camellia japonica, its petals fall one by one and the flowers carry a faint scent, making it a favorite flowering bonsai for the bare season.
About
Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen member of the tea family (Theaceae). In Japan it grows wild in warm areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture, southwestern Shikoku, Kyushu and the Nansei Islands. The leaves are oblong, 3–9 cm long, smaller and narrower than those of C. japonica, with shallow teeth. Wild flowers are single, 4–8 cm across, white flushed with pale pink. Petals dropping one at a time, buds held on the upper side of the foliage and a hairy ovary distinguish it from C. japonica. There are more than 300 cultivars, broadly divided into the autumn-flowering Sasanqua group (Oct–Dec), the winter-flowering Kantsubaki group (Nov–Mar) and the spring-flowering hybrids with C. japonica. Plants sold as 'kan-tsubaki' mostly belong to the Kantsubaki group. Flowers form on the previous year's shoots, so pruning is done right after flowering. It dislikes drought; in poor, dry soil buds may drop unopened. Nursery stock and bonsai material are widely available in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Sasanqua camellia
The Sasanqua camellia lives Long-lived; a tree said to be 600 years old is known in Japan.
Size of the Sasanqua camellia
The Sasanqua camellia grows to Usually 3–5 m as a garden tree (bonsai size depends on styling).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Yamaguchi Prefecture, SW Shikoku, Kyushu, Nansei Islands)
Lifespan
Long-lived; a tree said to be 600 years old is known in Japan
Size
Usually 3–5 m as a garden tree (bonsai size depends on styling)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (after flowering and in autumn)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Sun to part shade. Tolerates shade but needs light to flower well; avoid hot afternoon sun and dry winter wind
Watering
Dislikes drought. Water thoroughly when the surface dries, and never let it dry out while in bud
Temperature & overwintering
Slightly less hardy than C. japonica (USDA zones 7–9). Protect young plants and small pots from freezing and frost
Soil & repotting
Prefers well-drained, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil. Repot when root-bound
Fertilizer
Likes fertile soil; hunger or drought causes bud drop. Feed together with the post-bloom pruning
Pruning & styling
Flowers on last year's wood, so prune right after blooming; cutting from late spring on reduces next year's flowers
Pests & cautions
Tea tussock moth caterpillars and scale appear in poor airflow; wear gloves around the caterpillars. As a native species, buy nursery-grown plants rather than wild-dug ones
Sasanqua camellia FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Sasanqua camellia?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Sasanqua camellia?
The average lifespan of Sasanqua camellia is Long-lived; a tree said to be 600 years old is known in Japan. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Sasanqua camellia get?
The mature size of Sasanqua camellia is Usually 3–5 m as a garden tree (bonsai size depends on styling). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Sasanqua camellia?
Sasanqua camellia: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (after flowering and in autumn). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Sasanqua camellia?
The price of Sasanqua camellia varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices and not regulated for domestic sale in Japan. Choose cultivated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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