Just a couple of thoughts on this, and I am sure you will get other opinions. I like the idea of putting containers around, while in bloom. We do that too, and I have 3 or 4 varieties for that purpose, with different bloom times so we will have something in bloom. You might check with some local camellia gardeners on whether 'Yuletide' blooms at Christmas in your area -- here on the gulf coast it is usually bloomed out by then. (Ours is in full bloom right now.) A good one for Christmas here is "Shi Shi Gashira" which is a sasanqua hybrid that has larger red blooms and is low-growing so it makes a great looking container specimen, better than Yuletide. Another variety that is pretty dependable here at Christmas is "Lady Clare" (aka Empress) a japonica that is reddish pink and is pretty easy to find and a heavy bloomer. If you need a contact person there for advice, send me an email and I will put you in touch.

It is hard to find another sasanqua so showy as Yuletide. But You may try "Midnight Lover", a dark red flower, from Camellia Forest Hill at 919-968-0504 or

www.camforest.com

'Yuletide' actually belongs to Camellia x vernalis, true C. sasanqua cultivars may have larger flowers. A good red one that is sometimes available locally from Colvos Creek nursery is 'Crimson King'. It has also been offered in recent years by Greer Gardens. I got a small flowering 'Yuletide' from Christianson's nursery recently so there have been some available this year. (They may have gotten it from Nuccio's nursery in California).