Stephanie Golden Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'Stephanie Golden'
Stephanie Golden Camellia, Pink Fall-Blooming Evergreen Shrub
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- Pink fall flowers from October through December brighten winter gardens
- Evergreen form provides year-round structure and privacy screening
- Moderate growth reaches 6-10 feet at maturity without constant pruning
About this plant
Stephanie Golden Camellia is a fall-blooming evergreen shrub prized for its pink, semi-double flowers that arrive October through December. Hardy in zones 7-9, it thrives in part shade to full sun and is more sun-tolerant than other camellia varieties. Ideal for hedges, screens, foundation plantings, or as a specimen shrub.
Your plant arrives in a nursery container, ready to establish in your garden. Plant it in well-draining, acidic soil to set it up for success. Keep the soil evenly moist during the first 1-2 years while roots establish. Once mature, this moderate grower needs less frequent watering, making it a low-maintenance choice.
Stephanie Golden Camellia at a glance
| Botanical name | Camellia sasanqua 'Stephanie Golden' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | evergreen shrub |
| USDA zones | 7-9 (some sources list 7b-9, marginal in sheltered 6b sites) |
| Mature height | 6-10 ft (can reach 10-12 ft if left unpruned over many years) |
| Mature width | 5-8 ft |
| Sun | part shade to full sun; in hot southern climates benefits from afternoon shade, tolerates more sun than Camellia japonica |
| Water | regular, even moisture while establishing (first 1-2 years); moderate drought tolerance afterward |
| Bloom time | fall to early winter, typically October-December depending on region |
| Bloom color | pink, semi-double to peony/anemone form flowers |
| Growth rate | moderate, roughly 12-18 in of new growth per year once established |
| Deer resistance | moderate (camellias are occasionally browsed but not a preferred food source) |
| Best planting time | fall or early spring, avoiding peak summer heat |
Container sizes explained
| Quart / QT | A 4 inch pot, roughly one quart of soil. A young starter plant, the most economical way to buy several. |
|---|---|
| #1 / 1 Gallon | A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system. |
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
Questions before you buy
Should I choose the 2.5 Quart or 3 Gallon size?
Both establish successfully. The 2.5 Quart is more affordable and suits patient growers; the 3 Gallon arrives further developed, offering a head start. Choose based on your budget and how soon you want noticeable blooms, typically within 2-3 years from planting.
When should I plant it after it arrives?
Plant within a week or two of arrival to minimize stress. Fall and early spring are ideal times to establish roots before heat or cold extremes. Container camellias can acclimate indoors briefly, but direct planting in prepared soil gives the best long-term results.
How large does Stephanie Golden Camellia grow?
Mature height typically ranges 6-10 feet with a 5-8 foot spread, reached over roughly 8-10 years. Left unpruned, it can eventually reach 10-12 feet. Moderate pruning keeps it narrower and encourages a fuller form if you need a hedge or screen.
Does it need full sun or can it handle shade?
Stephanie Golden Camellia thrives in part shade to full sun. In hot southern climates, afternoon shade protects flowers from heat stress. It tolerates more direct sun than other camellia varieties, making it flexible for many garden spots.
Which hardiness zones is it suitable for?
Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Some sources list 7b-9, and in sheltered locations, it may survive zone 6b winters as a marginal plant. Check your microclimate if you garden in zone 6, as late-spring frosts can damage new growth.
What's the main first-year care step?
Keep the soil evenly moist through the first 1-2 years as roots establish. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Once settled, it shows moderate drought tolerance and needs far less attention. Acidic, well-draining soil prevents the soggy conditions it dislikes.