Minoto- No-Akebono
A fragrant lutchuensis × japonica hybrid from Yokohama — very small mauve-tinged light red flowers fading to white at the center, with profuse early blooming.
Originated in Yokohama City, Japan, from a cross of C. lutchuensis — the species most valued for imparting fragrance to camellia hybrids — with C. japonica 'Kantō-tsukimiguruma.' The very small flowers in light red with a touch of mauve, fading toward white at the center, open almost flat with six ovate, emarginate petals and a short stamen cluster of white filaments and bronze anthers. Fragrant and profusely flowering early to mid-season. Deep green elliptic leaves with serrate margins. The name translates to 'harbor dawn.' Listed locally as 'Minoto-No-Akebono.' Source: International Camellia Register.