'Daikagura' is without doubt the first camellia japonica blooms. In Galicia, we call 'Ortigueira'. It seems that this variety of camelia has many forms. But they all bloom very early.
Greetings.
Daniel D.F. oKintos

Camellia japonica Var. 'Daikagura' Symn.:'Ortigueira'

Here is a link that might be useful: Camellia japonica 'Daikagura' vars.

Daniel,
That is certainly a beautiful photograph of 'Daikagura.' The plant has such fine, dark green foliage. This variety does, indeed, have several forms, one being a solid, light red sport. Also 'High Hat,' which is light pink, and 'Conrad Hilton,' which is white. However, in our area, I think the sports are subject to bearing branches with the typical pink and white blossoms.

In Portugal, do you find the other extremely early flowering _Camellia japonica_ varieties: 'Arajishi' aka 'Aloha' and _Yohei Haku_ aka 'September Morn' or 'Albatross'? These two old-fashioned varieties have been grown in the Southeastern United States for generations and bloom earlier than 'Daikagura.'

Daikagura..One of my favorites..My parents grew them and I am searching locally first..Haven't found them in Greenville.

Hello. I do not know if a camellia nursery sells 'Arajishi'. I see it in bloom every month of December to April at the Castle of Sotomayor. In the last days of September and early October, also flourishes another pretty pink Camellia japonica. We call it "Millarenga.".
Greetings.
Daniel D.F. oKintos

Camellia japonica âÂÂArajishiâÂÂ
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Camellia japonica âÂÂMillarengaâÂÂ
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Those certainly are beautiful photographs. A couple of years ago, a pine fell on our 'Arajishi' during a storm, cleaving the plant in two. The 'Arajishi' has begun to recover, with vigorous new growth on either side of the pine trunk. I'm sure that camellia thought it was going to die--hence its vigorous recovery effort.

In the last days of October, have begun to bloom some of the white camellias that I like. "Alba Plena" is one of the most lasting flowering camellias. When the plant has a good size, flowering from October to April.
Greetings.
Daniel D. F. oKintos

Camellia japonica âÂÂLady HumeâÂÂs Blushâ Symn.:âÂÂCamurçaâÂÂ
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Camellia japonica âÂÂAlba PlenaâÂÂ
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