Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'
Setsugekka Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 5 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- White with yellow stamens, sometimes with faint pink flecks
- Foliage color
- Glossy green
- Bloom time
- Late fall to early winter
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after blooming if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Pollinators
About this plant
Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka' is a treasured cultivar known for its elegant white blooms, accented by ruffled edges and delicate yellow stamens. The flowers emerge in autumn and persist through early winter, creating a stunning seasonal display. The blossoms exude a subtle fragrance, adding a sensory element to gardens or landscapes. Originating in Japan, this variety embodies the refinement and timeless beauty often associated with traditional Japanese gardens.
The plant's glossy, deep green foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for its profusion of blooms. 'Setsugekka' thrives in a variety of garden settings, from informal shrub borders to espaliered displays, thanks to its versatile growth habit. Its enduring popularity owes much to its ability to provide vibrant color and texture in the cooler months when many other plants are dormant.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Specimen Plants · Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens
Companion plants
Holly · Viburnum · Pulmonaria · Japanese forest grass · Wood sorrel · Epimedium
Design tip
White flowers can be especially effective for drawing the eye through darker areas of the garden. Position this camellia where its autumn blooms can brighten a shaded view, while its subtle fragrance adds an extra reward near a patio, walkway, or favorite sitting area.
