SCIENTIFIC NAME: Camellia sasanqua ‘Green 02-004’ PP 27553
COMMON NAME: October Magic White Shi-Shi Camellia
GARDEN SIZE: 3-4 ft. tall x 3-4 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, dense, rounded shrub
FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy green
FLOWERS: White, formal double blooms
FLOWER SIZE: 2.5-3 inches
BLOOM TIME: Late fall to early winter
PLANT ORIGIN: Camellia sasanqua originates in Southern Japan. The 'October Magic White Shi-Shi' 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