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Camellia sasanqua October Magic® Inspiration

A vigorous, upright grower

Camellia sasanqua is a fall blooming species. Some of these new selections have proven hardy in USDA Zone 6, but we are saying zone 7 to be safe.  As summer fades and the nights begin to cool, the October Magic™ Series usher in the camellia season in beautiful fashion. Graceful in form and one of the loveliest of autumn flowers, the soft fragrance of sasanquas conjure up memories of southern gardens amass with blooms. These new selections offer all of the nuances we’ve grown to love in sasanquas and then some. There’s a shape, size and color to fit any garden.

The blooms of Inspiration are so much like a porcelain rose, you might not believe it is truly a camellia.  Creamy pink petals are outlined in a thin line of magenta, which is a unique attribute in camellia blooms.  Rarely is a picotee form seen, but here it is - an Inspiration for us all to believe anything is possible.

Who Am I?

  • Common Name:
    October Magic® Inspiration Camellia
  • Botanical Name:
    Camellia sasanqua ‘Green 97-039’ PP20566
  • Type:
    Shrub
  • Evergreen:
    YES

Cultural Details

TYPE

Shrub

EVERGREEN

YES
  • Light:
    Full sun / Afternoon shade
  • Soil:
    Average garden soil
  • Moisture:
    Moist, but well drained
  • Hardiness Zone
    7-9
  • Bloom Time:
    October-November
  • Bloom Color:
    Pink and white
  • Size:
    8-12' tall by 6-8' wide
  • Diseases & Pests:
    Some scale

What Makes Me Special?

A vigorous upright grower, shiny, dark-green leaves provide a prominent backdrop for the flowers. Fully double white ruffled flowers are outlined with a pencil-thin margin of magenta-pink, a characteristic seldom found in autumn Camellias. Profuse flowering performance begins mid-October and lasts into November. Spent flowers are self-cleaning. New growth is burgundy-red.

Landscape Use

Foundation plantings, screen, specimens, urban gardens

Pruning

These camellias flower in fall. Should they need any pruning to shape them, be sure to do that in early spring to allow for enough time for flowers buds to form.

Propagation

Cuttings

Who Am I?

  • Common Name:
    October Magic® Inspiration Camellia
  • Botanical Name:
    Camellia sasanqua ‘Green 97-039’ PP20566
  • Type:
    Shrub
  • Evergreen:
    YES

Image Library

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