The Hardy Shrub That Explodes With Gorgeous Pink Blooms In October

When a lot of the garden's flowers have faded at the end of summer, things can start to look a little bare by the time fall comes around. Having plants that bloom late in the season, adds splashes of color to your yard when needed the most to really lift your spirits. They also provide an important food source and shelter for pollinators such as bees and other wildlife, when things are starting to be scarce. This is just one vital reason to add some late-blooming flowers to your garden. One hardy shrub that produces an explosion of gorgeous pink flowers in October is the Sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua). This Japanese native is an evergreen shrub that grows fast and can reach a spread of 5 to 7 feet and a height of 6 to 14 feet. It features 1 to 3-inch leaves that are glossy and leather-like, and pink or white flowers that are 2 to 3 inches across. 

Sasanqua camellia is hardy in the warmer USDA zones of 7 through 9, with a few cultivars being hardy in zone 6, such as 'Polar Ice', 'Winter's Charm', and 'Winter's Star'. As a relatively hardy and fairly low-maintenance species, Sasanqua camellia is a nice plant to add to your personal list of the easiest plants to grow for beginner gardeners. However, this variety of camellia isn't as resilient as other types when it comes to the cold, so it's best to plant it in areas that have some natural protection from the winter winds and sun, such as by an exterior wall or a fence. 

Sunlight is an important factor in helping Sasanqua camellia bloom prolifically. Find a good planting spot that provides at least six hours of sunlight each day. An ideal location would provide afternoon shade to protect the flowers from sunburn. Soil requirements are pretty lenient and can be sandy, loamy, or clay, as long as they are well-draining and more neutral to acidic in pH. Once your Sasanqua camellia shrub is established, it can tolerate drought conditions. It's ideal as an accent plant in your garden, while a row of camellias can make a perfect privacy hedge. 

Keep the soil of your camellia moist, especially during the first growing season, so your shrub establishes a strong and extensive root system. During this time, water every one to two days. The best time of day to water your plant is in the morning or late afternoon/evening. Once fall and winter come around, you will only need to water twice a month as long as the soil doesn't become totally dry. Camellias don't need to be fertilized often. Twice per year is usually sufficient. Pruning requirements are minimal, and this should be done after flowering has finished. It's important to note that this species blooms on old growth, so you just want to give the plant a tidy up and remove any branches that hang on the ground. During this time, check your Sasanqua camellia for plant diseases it's susceptible to, such as leaf spot, black mold, and canker. Remove any branches that show signs of fungal diseases or blight.