New camellia honors Susy Dirr

From Angela Treadwell-Palmer, co-owner of Plants Nouveau:

"Susy Dirr, daughter of Dr. Michael and Bonnie Dirr was born with cystic fibrosis, which makes the act of breathing a life and death struggle. Undaunted by her disease, she was valedictorian of her high school class and an honor student at the University of Georgia, graduating with a degree in advertising a year ahead of her class.
Cystic fibrosis did not define Susy as a person. She embraced life with a joyful spirit that was uplifting to everyone around her. She made the world a better place with her compassion for others, her biting wit and brilliant mind. When a soul shines so bright, we see it in all things beautiful.
So, as summer fades and hints of autumn are in the air, reflections of these lovely flowers, graceful in form and with the sweet fragrance of newly opened tea, begin to fill our senses. We reflect on Susy’s life and know that a part of her spirit remains with us in the garden."

Camellia 'Susy Dirr' (C. hiemalis) is hardier than most of its cousins. It flowers from September-October, featuring voluptuous, bubble-gum pink blooms. C. hiemalis is often called the dwarf sassanqua. There are reports of 'Susy Dirr' being hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 6, but it is definitely hardy to Zone 7.

'Susy Dirr' camellia grows 8-12 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide. It's a full, bushy plant with a dense habit and double flowers.

Bobby Green, the breeder of this camellia, has gifted $.45 from each plant to the Sweet Melissa Fund, which helps families with cystic fibrosis. Visit http://sweetmelissafund.org/ for more information.