Firstborn

American Camellia Yearbook, 1961, p.222, Reg. No.528: A 5 year old chance seedling that first bloomed 1957. Originated in USA by Rex H. Smelser, Louisiana. First listed in SCCS, Camellia Nomenclature, 1960, p.53. Growth is upright with dark green leaves, 8.5 cm x 5 cm. Flowers are semi-double, bright red with yellow stamens, 12.5 cm across x 6 cm deep with 19-23 petals and 5-8 petaloids. Blooms mid-season. Colour photo, front cover, ACS, 1961, The Camellia Journal, vol.16, No.4. Sport: Firstborn Variegated.