Mary Allen Sargent
A vivid dark crimson anemone-peony described in 1908 as 'one of the best of the dark varieties' — with up to 230 petals in its most formal expressions.
First described by Berkmans in Country Life in America (1908) as having 'large, vivid dark crimson' flowers with a 'remarkable anemone-form.' Rubel's 1928 catalogue praised it as 'one of the best of the dark varieties, a rich deep crimson' with globular, compactly built flowers typically showing twelve wide, slightly rumpled guard petals. The petal count in formal expressions can reach an extraordinary 230. Growth is vigorous and the plant is a free, early bloomer. Has a variegated form. Listed locally as 'Mary Allen Sargent' and registered as 'Professor Sargent.' Source: International Camellia Register.