Camellia japonica 'Margaret Davis'
At first glance this looks like a large flowered sim carnation. It is an Australian camellia which originally appeared as a sport of 'Aspasia Macarthur' and is named for the great Sydney gardener Margaret Davis (1908-2000) who is remembered as the founding President of the Garden Clubs of Australia as well as being an accomplished writer and broadcaster. She comments on this cultivar in her book Balcony Gardens (Golden Press, Sydney 1981), My namesake, 'Margaret Davis', a consistent prize-winner in both Australia and many areas of the United States, is remarkably sun-hardy, although it is a white-edged pink. Pale coloured camellias are usually only successful in shade or semi shaded positions as the flower petals may burn in the sun.
Ian,
ReplyDeleteVery envious of this one. Never seen anything like it in the US.
Margaret Davis lived in the US in her later years and told stories of how dedicated the camellia growers were, even keeping them in the basement over winter.
Deletenature will keep on producing the most exciting piece of artwork!
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