Red Camellia in Bloom

I'm so happy I decided to plant three yuletide camellias in November 2014.  The plants had a hard summer with the drought...but look at the beautiful little bloom I found growing this week.  I have plans to protect the plants with shade netting this year to make sure they get fully established.  I am imagining how beautiful these shrubs will be during the winter months with their elegant blooms.  The yellow stamens add just the right flair to the bright red bloom.