Camellia japonica 'Grape Soda'

The single flowers on this cultivar can approach lavender-red or lavender, if you use your imagination... and keep the soil around the plant quite acidic.  Ours have not yet bloomed; the friend who captured this photo swears the color is "lavender", but we are reserving our judgement until we see for ourselves!  Introduced in 1989 by Nuccio's Nurseries.

 » Bloom color, form, size: Deep red, single, small to med (2.5-4")
 » Bloom period (NC):  Mid spring (March)
 » Growth rate, habit: Vigorous, upright/open
 » Zones: 7b-9