Any Camellia experts here?

20 years ago

I have a number of camellias growing on my land (here when I bought it) and one in particular is the most prodigious bloomer. I cut one of the fresh pink blooms for my mom yesterday and she was just tickled. She said it was a double, no a triple (or more)bloom. Is this uncommon? I will post pictures of the next one that opens up fully.

Also, it seems some of the leaves are variegating. In fact a baby growing out of the ground underneath is mostly variegated. Is this a variety that anyone is familiar with?

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

ourhighlandhome
20 years ago
If you'll carefully dig, package and ship the baby to me, I'll have my...uhmmm..."camellia experts" analyze it right away!

Seriously though, it sounds like a beauty. Good luck having it ID'd. I ran across a sasanqua 'Cotton Candy' the other day that somehow ended up in my driveway! It's an almost bluish-pink double that's loaded with buds. Somebody help me, please...

Nelson ;-)
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
There are at least 8 bloom forms. Yours may have been one of the two double forms, or one of the very full peony types (there are two of those, as well). It is not unusual to find spectacular camellia hybrids, especially when one has obviously started a small collection.

The variegation is probably viral in nature, though there are some named variegated clones out there. I believe that their variegation is virus induced, as well. Plant virus diseases are spread by piercing/sucking insects such as aphids, whitefly, leafhoppers, sharpshooters, and others.

Is this leaf blotching on one plant, or several? Is it on the entire plant or just a few of the leaves?

Humans are the prime culprit in spreading of camellia viruses, mainly though the utilization (by the grower) of infected scion wood and other grafting material. I think I read somewhere that a great percentage of the seemingly healty camellias that consumers buy are infected. Some may never express the virus, while others will for one reason or another.

Here is a link that might be useful: virus induced camellia variegation
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brigib
20 years ago
A note on the virus ,it is usually considered harmless.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
I agree, unless you are bothered by the aesthetics. A seriously 'infected' plant loses a good deal of its beauty, in my opinion. But that's me. I know that some people are intrigued by camellia viral splotching, and find it attractive.
tsmith2579
20 years ago
Hey, folks. I met a very nice guy through Gardenweb last year around this time. Then I met him in person at the show. His name is Forrest Latta and he is BIG in camellias in the Mobile area. Here is a link that will take you to one of his post and you can send him an email through the GW post. He is such a nice guy and will most likely be happy to answer your questions.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/higard/msg0422060723970.html