PlantFiles: Sasanqua Camellia, Autumn Camellia
Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'

I wanted something unusual for the front porch for Xmas, so I went off in search of Nandina Heavenly Bamboo for its shiny dark foliage and nice red berries; instead I found THIS!! It is just spectacular, appearing to have bright yellow lights right in the flowers. Since it is not a large plant, I will probably keep it in a pot a couple years before putting it in the ground. From what I've read, it should do okay in a container. So festive!!

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' RED WINTER CAMELLIA EG (z7) (Fra,Cut)
There is a profusion of small single bright-red flowers on this compact upright plant in late fall and into winter. Sun-PSh/Med

I am certainly not an expert with this genus, but I do have 3 types in pots that have given me a lot of pleasure during the drab winter months here in Missouri. I grow them like I do Florist's azaleas: moist acidic humusy soil, bright indirect light, very little pruning, and weak fertilizer solution when watering. Once a year, in late spring, I topdress with a little special fertilizer for acid-loving plants. If given too much shade flowering will be sparse, but on the other hand, hot direct sun will scorch the leaves. I usually put them out for the summer under the dappled shade of trees. A mulch over the soil in the pot helps conserve moisture for the shallow roots. When indoors for the winter, try to keep cool (50 to 60 degreesF at night).