Wow, a nice surprise indeed. My japonicas are still asleep over here. Is that another bloom on the upper right-hand corner of the picture?

Wow! Is this in your garden? I know there is a very large Variety Z at the Arboretum. Where did you get it?

Luis - Thanks, yes that is another flower and it has many buds, too. It�s getting colder, so hopefully they will go to sleep til spring.

Dave - I got this plant from Camellia Forest Nursery- http://www.camforest.com

If the temps gradually go down, that may happen. I had a Debutante that started flowering, we got a chill and then it continued flowering over two months later. But if the change is not gradual, the buds could die.

It is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for posting the picture. There are a few blossoms open on an April Dawn bush and a Polly Hill bush that I planted at my brother's house in Johnson City TN years ago. They are both C. japonica varieties and neither has bloomed this early before.

Wow, that is early for April Dawn. Love the glossy foliage of April Dawn.

Wow, that is early for April Dawn. Love the glossy foliage of April Dawn.

Variety Z has resumed blooming!