Reine Des Beautes
An 1861 Belgian formal double by Vervaene of Ledeberg — delicate soft pink, reported to be a sport of the American 'Mrs. Abby Wilder,' bridging European and American camellia history.
Originated by Vervaene of Ledeberg, Belgium, and first illustrated by Lemaire in 1861 in L'Illustration Horticole. The formal double flowers display delicate, soft pink with numerous rounded, bilobate exterior petals and oval, entire center petals. Described variously as 'blush' (The Floral Magazine, 1865) and 'delicate, clear rose' (van Houtte, 1873). Reported by Urquhart in 1956 to be a sport of the old American variety 'Mrs. Abby Wilder,' though early descriptions do not mention this connection — a transatlantic lineage linking Belgian and American camellia breeding. Listed locally as 'Reine Des Beautes' and registered as 'Reine des Beautés.' Source: International Camellia Register.