Nobelissima
Among the earliest named japonica cultivars (1836), its white pompone-like anemone flowers earned an RHS Award of Garden Merit 176 years later.
One of the oldest named japonicas still in broad cultivation, first appearing simultaneously in the Loddiges Catalogue (1836) and Cels Paris Nursery Catalogue (1836–1837). Berlèse's Monographie (1837) describes it in detail: large white flowers of 7.5 cm with numerous recurved exterior petals and smaller, crowded, rumpled interior petals — 'in appearance like Pompone.' The name 'Nobilissima' ('most noble') reflects the high esteem in which it was held from the outset. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012 — recognition spanning 176 years of continuous cultivation. Listed locally as 'Nobelissima' and registered as 'Nobilissima.' Source: International Camellia Register.