I'm not sure what it is, but it's fabulous. When I visited the bay area, I was in love with the flowers there. You could smell the roses before you could see them!
Looks like a Camellia to me. Lovely. I'm not sure if the hybrids are any good for tea.
Soon as I saw the leaves I thought "that's a camellia" (NZ spelling :)
Thanks! that is what my husband thought, too. I cut it WAY back this year, so I was pleased to see at least one flower (so far).