Yuletide Camellia

Yuletide is an upright evergreen sasanqua camellia with single, brilliant red flowers centered by bright yellow stamens. Its 8–10-foot stature and glossy foliage make it useful as a flowering screen, informal hedge, espalier, or winter accent in USDA zones 7–10. ## Seasonal display and placement [Monrovia's cultivar profile](https://www.monrovia.com/yuletide-camellia.html) identifies Yuletide as a chance seedling of ‘Kanjiro’ originating at Nuccio’s Nurseries. It describes a moderate-growing, upright shrub with fall-to-winter flowers and glossy dark-green leaves, reaching about 8–10 feet tall and wide. The profile lists filtered sun to partial shade and USDA zones 7–10. Monrovia lists USDA zones 7–10. ## Growing conditions Sasanqua camellias tolerate more sun than many camellias but perform best with some protection from harsh afternoon sun and winter winds. Use well-drained, organically rich, acidic soil and avoid alkaline or waterlogged sites. The [North Carolina Extension species profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/camellia-sasanqua/) describes the evergreen habit, late-fall-to-winter bloom, and preference for well-drained soil. ## Maintenance Water consistently through the first growing season, then water as needed when rainfall is inadequate. Keep mulch over the root zone but away from the trunk. Feed with an acid-forming camellia fertilizer after flowering if needed. Prune lightly after bloom to shape; avoid cutting back in late summer or fall when flower buds are developing.