Brenda that sounds exactly like 'Ville de Nantes' which is red with white variegation and has the fimbriated (almost fringe-like) edges. It is from Nantes, France and is one of the all-time winningest varieties, and great in the garden. People "ooh and aah" over a really good one with lots of fimbriation. There are many other really unique varieties that originated on the Mississippi coast where you are from, and some great camellia specialty nurseries. I decided about 5 years ago I needed a lot more camellias, and that is where many have come from. ...Forrest

Here is an image of 'Ville de Nantes' that shows some of the fimbriation. The best ones have even more. See if this is it.

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That's it! Now a source?

Good! I will keep a lookout for a nursery that carries it. You might check with Camellia Forest Nursery in Chapel Hill (they are on the web) and also start asking around among some of the camellia growers in your area. I have two of them, both grafts that I made from someone who had a nice one. It shouldn't be too difficult to find.

By the way, that photo was taken 45 years ago in 1959 at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile near where you grew up, you have probably been there. They have a nice camellia collection, if you ever get back down this way.

That is a lovely camellia! Does anyone know of a great site that deals with old or heritage camellias?

Thankyou for the pic!

varmi