How to Grow Sasanqua Camellia 'Cleopatra'

Sasanqua Camellia 'Cleopatra'

Camellia sasanqua 'Cleopatra'

shrub

Camellia sasanqua 'Cleopatra' is a semi-double flowered evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red blooms that appear in fall and winter. This cultivar is more cold-hardy and sun-tolerant than many camellias, making it suitable for a wider range of gardeners. It offers year-round foliage interest and reliable flowering when most gardens are dormant.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; tolerates 4-6 hours of direct sun, though afternoon shade in hotter climates is beneficial

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply during establishment and dry spells; drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular moisture

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms appear 2-3 years after planting; flowers continuously for 2-3 months

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball level with ground surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining acidic loamy soil

pH: 5.0-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or pine bark Compost Sulfur to lower pH if needed Mulch (oak leaves, pine needles)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 7-10; can survive zone 6 with protection

7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young plant with minimal growth; focusing on root development rather than shoot growth

Water regularly and deeply; apply 2-3 inches of acidic mulch; shelter from harsh winds; avoid fertilizing first year

Vegetative Growth

Years 2-3

Compact evergreen shrub developing dense foliage; glossy dark green leaves; gradual height and width increase

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape; fertilize in spring with acid-loving plant food; maintain consistent moisture

Bud Development

August-October

Flower buds appear in summer and early fall; buds are small and hard, gradually enlarging

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; maintain consistent watering; avoid pruning during this phase; protect from hard freezes

Flowering

October-December (sometimes into January)

Semi-double red flowers with prominent yellow stamens emerge; flowers are 2-3 inches across; blooms appear sequentially

Enjoy the flowers; deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering; protect from hard freezes that damage buds

Post-Flowering

January-March

Flowers fade and fall; plant enters dormancy but remains evergreen; minimal visible change

Can prune now if needed; reduce watering slightly; prepare for spring growth; clean up fallen petals and debris

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Azaleas Rhododendrons Hydrangeas Japanese Pieris Mahonia Ferns Hostas Shade-tolerant groundcovers

Avoid planting near:

Lime-loving plants (lavender, lilac) Plants requiring alkaline soil Shallow-rooted trees that compete for moisture Black walnut (allelopathic)

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; prune heavily infested branches; improve air circulation
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate moisture
Remove and destroy infested buds and flowers; apply neem oil; difficult to control once inside buds
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; apply fungicide to severely affected plants; improve soil with amendments
Remove infected flowers promptly; rake and dispose of fallen petals; apply fungicide at bud stage in wet weather

Uses

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Cut flowers and floral arrangements

Household

Semi-double red blooms with prominent yellow stamens are striking in floral displays and arrangements. The long vase life and winter blooming period make Camellia sasanqua 'Cleopatra' valuable for indoor decoration when other flowers are scarce. [source]

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Pollinator support in winter

Wildlife

The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during late fall and winter when food sources are limited. The evergreen foliage also provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects. [source]

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Camellia tea from leaves

Culinary

Camellia sasanqua leaves can be dried and brewed into a delicate, slightly floral tea with potential health benefits. This represents the historical relationship between camellias and tea production in Asia. [source]

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Traditional herbal medicine

Medicinal

In Asian traditional medicine, camellia flowers and leaves have been used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Modern research explores polyphenol compounds in Camellia species. [source]

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Ornamental landscape specimen

Craft

The dense evergreen form, reliable winter blooms, and elegant red flowers make this cultivar an outstanding focal point in gardens. Its hardiness compared to other camellias makes it accessible to more gardeners for specimen planting. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut blooms in early morning when fully open; place immediately in cool water; remove lower leaves; blooms last 1-2 weeks in a vase; can be enjoyed on the plant for 2-3 weeks or more depending on weather

Fun Facts

🌱 Camellia sasanqua 'Cleopatra' is more sun and cold-tolerant than the more familiar Camellia japonica, making it a game-changer for gardeners in cooler climates—the 'Sasanqua' species evolved in windy, exposed mountain regions of Japan
🌱 The semi-double flower form is a prized trait in camellia breeding; 'Cleopatra' produces a consistent, reliable semi-double bloom year after year, unlike single or variable cultivars
🌱 Sasanqua camellias bloom in fall and early winter while japonicas bloom in late winter and spring, allowing collectors to have camellia flowers for months by planting both types

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