As is widely known, it takes quite a number of years for gallon-sized camellias to mature and "come into their own" as far as typical floral habits are concerned. Three of our more recently planted japonica cultivars are "wowing" us this year with spectacular blooms: 'R. L. Wheeler,' 'Reg Ragland Supreme,' and 'Adolphe Audusson Variegated.' A "Wow, Wow, Wow" to all three japonicas. Our 'R. L. Wheeler,' developed and released by Wheeler's Central Georgia Nurseries decades ago, was planted in the 1990's and has grown extravagantly, with no care whatsoever. It just grows and grows and grows. This year is, however, its first year to bloom spectacularly, though it has had scattered blooms in previous years. It is now mature enough to put on a big show. And a big show it did put on in this abnormally hot spring. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. The other two camellias are also gorgeous. But at less than a decade old, they are not large enough or mature enough to command attention from afar; however, their blooms are "wow factor" blooms for the first time in their short lives. I recommend 'R. L. Wheeler,' 'Reg Ragland Supreme,' and 'Adolphe Audusson Variegated' highly. Their form of bloom and color are excellent. They are tried and true standard cultivars that have stood the test of time.