A unique series of 6 cold hardy camellias that flower abundantly over a period of 4-6 weeks in late autumn have been bred by Dr. William L. Ackerman at the US National Arboretum, specifically for landscape use. The six hybrids show desirable plant habit, flower quality and cold hardiness to Zone 7 ( -15°C to -20°C) showing little or no winter injury at very low temperatures. All 6 cultivars are registered with the American Camelia Society. Flower petals are shed individually when flowering has finished, eliminating the tiresome task of dead-heading the flowers. The species C. oleifera, a small-flowered species native to China was use as the foundation for the cold-hardy breeding program. The resulting hybrids combine the cold hardiness of C. oleifera with the flower form and quality of showier species C. hiemalis and C. sasanqua. Cultivars 'Polar Ice', 'Snow Flurry' and 'Winter's Hope' produce white flowers. 'Winter's Rose has very delicate light pink flowers while 'Winter's Star' has mauve petals and 'Winter's Charm' has bright pink flowers. www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/camelli1.html