October Magic Orchid Camellia (Sasanqua)

The October Magic® Orchid™ Camellia is just one of numerous fantastic Camellias from the Southern Living Plant Collection's October Magic series! The October Magic Orchid produces gorgeous semi-double white blooms with blushing pink edges. These blossoms emerge in fall, celebrating the return of fair weather. Expect this beauty to transform your landscape for weeks with its prolific and petite flowers. The October Magic Orchid Camellia is an evergreen. Therefore, it retains its attractive dark green foliage all year long. Meanwhile, new foliage emerges with a bronze-red hue. Reaches a mature size of 4-5 feet H x 3-4 feet W. This white and pink blooming Camellia is naturally compact. This means that pruning is either purely optional or very minimal. Use the October Magic Orchid as an accent, hedge, or mass planting. Alternatively, try it as a container plant, where its reliably attractive leaves and fantastic blooms will truly shine. October Magic Orchid Camellia Care Hardy in USDA Zones 7-9, and down to 0°F when established. Plant in Full Sun to Partial Shade for best results. The October Magic Orchid Camellia prefers rich acidic soil with good drainage. Furthermore, top dress your soil with compost or composted manure to keep your soil consistently high quality. Water your new plantings regularly during the first growing season. 2-3 times per week in average weather. This will allow your plant to send its roots deeper into the soil. This will help to ensure its future success. During the second growing season, you can cut down on your supplementary watering to around 1-2 times per week in times of low rainfall. Fertilize with a balanced acidic fertilizer in spring to encourage maximum bloom potential and growth. Otherwise, try an organic acidic fertilizer to promote your soil's health. If pruning to keep a desired size or shape, it's best done in early spring before the new growth begins to emerge. Check out another fantastic entry in this series, the October Magic Inspiration Camellia.