I have three camellia plants, in my yard. The first one of the three shrubs blooms mid-January. The other two usually late February and March. The early bloomer is Camellia japonica 'Night Rider' just as the name suggests it is a very dark maroon almost black with semi double blossoms. The blossoms are almost 2 to 3 inches across and yet most information classifies the blossom size as miniature to small. This is a very slow growing camellia . It was planted in 2007 and I think it maybe 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with shiny green foliage. The blossoms look like they have a light cover of way on them making them look artificial. The stamens are purple with yellow tips.
The book 100 Flowers And How They Got Their Names by Diana Wells says that the camellia was named after a Jesuit missionary who study plants and animals in the Philippines.
Because it is the first camellia to bloom in winter, I watch and cut them and bring them into the house to brighten up a winter day.