Camellia japonica 'Kate Shepard'

Large attractive shrub with an erect compact growing habit. Lustrous leathery dark green leaves. In spring it has beautiful large white informal double anemone flowers with sometimes a touch of pale pink. Very hardy though thrives in good loamy soil that does not get too dry. Prefers a semi-shaded sheltered site. Excellent for a formal garden. Hardy. During the campaign for women’s suffrage, those who supported the 1893 Electoral Bill were presented with a white camellia to wear in their buttonhole. The white camellia has since become an endearing symbol of women’s suffrage in New Zealand, and a new variety, named after Kate Sheppard, was created for the 100th anniversary in 1993. Bred by Viv Joyce of Taranaki.