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Camellia sasanqua ‘Bonanza’

Camellia 'Bonanza', 'Bonanza' Camellia, Fall Blooming Camellias, Winter Blooming Camellias, Early Season Camellias

Camellia Sasanqua 'Bonanza', Camellia 'Bonanza', 'Bonanza' Camellia, Fall Blooming Camellias, Winter Blooming Camellias, Red flowers, Red Camellias, Early Season Camellias

Fast-growing, Camellia sasanqua ‘Bonanza’ is popular wherever grown thanks to its abundant and eye-catching, large, about 4 in. wide (10 cm), semi-double, peony-form blossoms. Bright red, the fluted and waved petals surround many petaloids (small petals) and gold stamen. Blooms are produced over several months in the early season (October – January in the Northern Hemisphere; March – June in the Southern Hemisphere), in such profusion that this camellia in full bloom becomes one of the glories of the garden. The evergreen foliage of neat, dark green leaves is elegantly borne on arching branches and can be easily trained to create colorful espaliers.

  • This medium-sized evergreen shrub has a spreading habit. It grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) with a spread of 4-8 ft. (120-240 cm)
  • Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, acidic, organically richwell-drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Protect from the early morning sun and from the direct hot summer afternoon sun.
  • May be attacked by aphids, scale insects, and vine weevil
  • Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant and may be effectively grown in tubs or large containers.
  • Apply a root mulch (leaves or shredded bark)
  • Prune after flowering. Prune to thin branching and control size and shape.

Camellia sasanqua is one of the loveliest fall flowers, graceful in form, tender in color, and pleasing in fragrance. As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, this camellia opens with aplomb during the camellia season. The flowers, mostly single or semi-double, are not quite as large and showy as those of Camellia japonica, but they are borne in such profusion that a camellia sasanqua in full bloom becomes one of the glories of the fall garden. Never bigger than 3-4 in. (7-10 cm), the scented blooms feature fluted, ruffled petals and range from white through to deep pink. Each flower only lasts a couple of days before it drops its petals which makes them ill-suited for cutting. The elegant and open habit of Camellia sasanqua allows them to blend beautifully with other shrubs, without dominating the way the larger leaved, denser growing camellia japonica do. Faster growing than Camellia japonica, this broadleaved, evergreen shrub may grow from 18 in. (45 cm) up to 12 feet (360 cm). Camellia sasanqua shrubs are more sun tolerant than Camellia japonica, but slightly less cold hardy (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 9). 

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Camellias


A common myth about Camellias is that they are very fussy and difficult to grow. This is not true. Camellias are exceptionally care-free plants if they are given a well-chosen site. Here are some basic rules that need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 8
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Theaceae
Genus Camellia
Common names Camellia, Sasanqua Camellia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Winter
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
Spacing 48" - 96"
(120cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Traditional Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant)
Camellia sasanqua ‘Shishigashira’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Plantation Pink’
Camellia x williamsii ‘Debbie’
Camellia x williamsii ‘E.G. Waterhouse’
Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’

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Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)
Camellia x williamsii (Hybrid Camellia)
Best Companion Plants for Camellias
Which Camellia is Right for my Garden?
Spring Blooming Camellias
Fall Blooming Camellias
Winter Blooming Camellias
Long Blooming Camellias
How to Espalier a Camellia
Most Fragrant Camellias
Cold Hardy Camellias
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 8
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Theaceae
Genus Camellia
Common names Camellia, Sasanqua Camellia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Winter
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
Spacing 48" - 96"
(120cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Traditional Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Camellia
Not sure which Camellia to pick?
Compare Now

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