Rose of Autumn Camellia

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

4-6 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 10

Rose of Autumn Camellia is the earliest variety to flower in late autumn, just as most trees and shrubs are going dormant for the year. The glowing pink flowers are loosely double-petaled and very long-lasting. The deep green foliage is extra glossy and nicely sets off other flowering shrubs and perennials all year long. Camellia sasanqua is reliably hardy in USDA zones 7-9 and may overwinter in zone 6 with plenty of protection from harsh winter winds and extreme cold snaps. 

The slightly smaller flowers have great resistance to powdery mildew while the foliage rarely experiences leaf scotch or blight diseases. Rose of Autumn has an upright growth habit that requires minimal pruning and is quick to reach its mature height in only a few seasons. Deer and rabbits rarely, if ever, browse Camellias due to their thick leaves and woody branches. Grow this Camellia as a specimen shrub in a winter garden where its evergreen foliage can shine or add it to a flowering hedge to extend the season of color well into late fall.

Rose of Autumn Camellia Care

Camellias are extremely low maintenance when planted in the right location. Partial shade is ideal to protect the thick glossy leaves from sunburn. Provide shade during the mid-day in warm climates. This shrub prefers rich, acidic soil. Fertilize your Camellia annually late in the summer as the flower buds swell. Regular watering is necessary until the shrub is established and then usually only during prolonged periods of drought. 

Deadhead Camellias after flowering has finished by carefully snapping off the spent flowers. Be careful to not disturb any developing leaf or flower buds. Prune camellias for shape in the late winter, as this shrub blooms on current season growth late in the summer. Pruning too late in the summer will result in less or no flowers for the fall and winter. 

Rose of Autumn Camellia Spacing

Rose of Autumn will reach an overall height of 6-8 feet with a narrow width of 4-6 feet. Space plants 4 feet apart when planting for a hedge. Otherwise, 5 feet apart, center on center, between other shrubs and perennials will provide plenty of airflow.