Camellia hiemalis ‘Green S99-006’ October Magic™ Bride PP# 20539

A profuse bloomer at an early age


Common Name October Magic™ Bride Camellia
Size 4-6' tall by 4-6' wide
USDA hardiness Zones 7-9
Sun / Shade Full sun / Part shade
Soil Average garden soil
Moisture Moist, but well drained
Disease and Pests Some scale
Landscape use Foundation plantings, specimens, urban gardens
Market appeal / Uniqueness The perfect selection for a small garden or a tight spot, this Bride fits in the smallest of wedding dresses. Upright and dense in habit, making it an adequate choice in places other camellias quickly outgrow. A profuse bloomer at an early age, with pure white rose to peony form flowers.
Propagation Methods Vegetative softwood cuttings
Date of Introduction July 2012
Bloom Time September–October

Angela’s Garden Notes:

Camellia hiemalis, often called the dwarf sassanqua, is the lesser known relative to the more popular Camellia sassanqua.   C. hiemalis is fall blooming as well, but more cold hardy than it’s cousin.  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.

October Magic Bride is a tight and compact, yet upright shrub that will eventually form a small flowering  tree after 10 plus years.  The crisp white blooms contrast well against the deep, shiny green leaves for a stunning effect.  No browning out on these as they age, they stay clean, clear white until the blooms are spent.  this is the perfect plant for smaller gardens and even large, outdoor containers.

For Gardeners

Water before planting to make sure soil is moist.   Plant in full sun to part shade and  dig a hole 3X the width of pot. Backfill with topsoil and plant 1’-2’ above soil level water and add more soil if needed.  Finish by mulching plants with  a high quality shredded, aged bark mulch.