Camellia sasanqua Susy Dirr

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 GA, 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.

Graceful in form and one of the loveliest of autumn flowers, the soft fragrance of sasanqua conjure up memories of southern gardens amass with blooms. These new selections offer all of the nuances we’ve grown to love in sasanqua and then some. There is a shape, size and color to fit any garden. Bobby Green, the breeder of this Camellia has generously gifted his share of the proceeds from each plant to the Sweet Melissa Fund, which helps families with cystic fibrosis.