Camellia October Magic® White Shi Shi™

October Magic® White Shi-Shi™ is a compact evergreen camellia with glossy green foliage and formal, double white flowers from late fall into winter. Its low, spreading habit and 3–4-foot size suit borders, foundation plantings, containers, and small hedges. ## Flowers and form The [Southern Living Plant Collection profile](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/october-magic-white-shi-shi-camellia/) identifies the selection as ‘Green 02-004’ (PP27553), describing porcelain-white formal doubles and a bushy, spreading habit reminiscent of ‘ShiShi Gashira.’ Mature dimensions are listed as 3–4 feet high and wide, with USDA zones 7a–9b. The source describes flowering from late fall to winter and evergreen foliage. Give it room to develop its broad outline as a low evergreen screen or border shrub. ## Siting Grow in full sun to part shade, preferably with protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds. Like other sasanqua camellias, it prefers well-drained, organic soil with an acidic to neutral reaction. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/camellia-sasanqua/) notes that the species blooms in late fall and winter and is intolerant of alkaline soils. Use it where its spreading outline can develop without frequent shearing. ## Maintenance Keep soil evenly moist while the plant establishes; thereafter water according to weather and drainage. Apply a light mulch over the root area without piling it against the trunk. If shaping is needed, prune in early spring before the next flush of growth. Remove damaged branches and avoid late-season pruning that would interfere with flower-bud development.