Ancient Beauty....

[mdehners]

Last night, by the light of the Moon I was greeted while walking Boo-Boo the 1st of my Camellias to bloom. This AM I got a better look at the show. While Camellias are nothing new or surprising to someone in the Deep SOuth, this one is. You see, I got it as a Cutting from a Vet who took his when he was stationed Under McArthur during the Japanese Occupation. Taken from a shrub in one of the Imperial Gardens, it had been pointed out to him at the time by one of the gardeners that the plant in from of him was older than the USA. The cultivar even older....
You've probably seen it on Asian paintings. It's petals a soft Rose with White splashes;a "boss" of Golden Stamens in the center. Mine's a couple of yrs old, now waist high by the front door....
Cheers,
Pat