[1] It was originally bred in 1923 at Caerhays Castle in Cornwall by John Charles Williams.

Hybrid vigour has made the group unusually floriferous, with such varieties as 'St Ewe' flowering for four to five months (December to April in the UK).

Some crosses introduced colours new to camellias: 'Donation' is said to be Tyrian rose, 'Lady Gowrie' fuchsine pink.

[1] The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

In areas with frost and cold winds, it should be positioned facing away from the morning sun, as the flower buds are easily damaged.