How to prune sasanqua camellia

Late winter immediately after flowering finishes (February–March); no later than early April in most climates. Cut back lightly to shape, removing spent flower stems to just above a healthy bud or leaf joint. Thin out crowded, dead, and inward-growing branches to improve air circulation. Use sharp bypass pruners with clean, angled cuts. Remove no more than one-third of live growth at a time.

Annually after flowering to maintain shape and airflow. Sasanqua camellia blooms in autumn to early winter, which means its pruning window is earlier than japonica — bud set for the following season begins as early as May. Prune immediately after flowering ends in late winter or very early spring, and finish all cuts by early April to protect next season's buds.

Cut back lightly to shape, removing spent flower stems to just above a healthy bud or leaf joint. Thin out crowded, dead, and inward-growing branches to improve air circulation. Use sharp bypass pruners with clean, angled cuts. Remove no more than one-third of live growth at a time.