湖北林业科技

Camellia reticulata ‘Valley Knudsen’ is a cultivar of Camellia yunnanensis, which was cultivated by Howard Asper in California, USA. ‘Valley Knudsen’ was a hybrid developed by the inbred lines C. saluenensis Stapf ex Bean and C. reticulata ‘Buddha’. It was introduced into China by Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry in 1992. In 2010 it was introduced into Hubei Province by Forestry and Fruit Institute, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. ‘Valley Knudsen’ is a kind of evergreen shrubs or arbors with thick branches. It has straight tree shape and tight branches. Its leathery leaves are dark green with smooth surface. The flowers look like peony with purple pink colour. Flower diameter is 10～14 cm. The flower season is from late February to late March. ‘Valley Knudsen’ can be used in landscape or home garden. It is well planted in the places where the Camellia can grow in Hubei.