SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia sasanqua 'Green 02-003' PP 24538

COMMON NAME: October Magic Ruby Camellia

GARDEN SIZE: 3-4 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow to moderate compared with other camellias. In general, camellias are slow-growing plants and can take 10-20 years to reach their full size, depending on their environment.

USDA ZONE: 7a-9b

EXPOSURE: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Here in Tennessee toward the northern edge of their range, camellias prefer to be sheltered by at least one wall.

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Compact, spreading to rounded shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green

FLOWERS: Deep Christmas red blooms with a formal double shape. Yellow stamens are occasionally visible.

BLOOM TIME: Fall

PLANT ORIGIN: Camellia sasanqua originates in Southern Japan. The 'October Magic Ruby' cultivar was bred in Fairhope, Alabama.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Flowers may feed pollinators in the very early spring and/or fall, but it is not a host for local wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize with a bloom booster fertilizer two seasons before they bloom (in fall for spring bloomers and in spring for fall bloomers).

PRUNING: Not necessary. If desired for shaping, you may prune right after blooming.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Camellias are generally non-toxic; however, Camellia sinensis contains caffeine and should be handled with caution around pets.

USES: Ornamental specimen