Ruby Velvet

New Zealand Camellia Bulletin, March 2005, Issue No.150, vol.XXIV, No.2, p.35, Reg. No.467. Registered by M. & L. Mangos, Tauranga, New Zealand. A 4 year old chance seedling which first flowered in 2003. Flower is peony form, 9 cm across x 4.5 cm deep, with 32 petals and 13 petaloids. Petals are upstanding, and the central petals and petaloids are fluted, and surround a substantial centralised cluster of gold anthers on pinkish-white filaments. Colour is deep red (RHS.CC.53B) and the petal edges have a purplish tinge which moves inward as the flower matures. A spreading, open plant of medium growth rate, with dark green leaves 7 cm long x 4 cm wide. Flowers mid-season to late.