R.L. Wheeler Var.
A fifteen-centimeter rose-pink exhibition giant — winner of both the Margarete Hertrich Award and the RHS Award of Merit.
One of the landmark mid-century American japonicas, originated by Central Georgia Nurseries of Macon, Georgia. The very large flowers — up to 15 cm across — display rose pink in semi-double to incomplete double form, with heavy-textured outer petals that twist and fold, framing a mass of stamens that fan outward. Leaves are large, mid to dark green, ovate, glossy, stiff, and thick. Growth is rapid and upright. Winner of the Margarete Hertrich Award (1978) and the RHS Award of Merit (1959) — recognizing exhibition quality on both sides of the Atlantic. Listed locally as 'R.L. Wheeler Var.' Source: International Camellia Register.