White Bloom from Red Camellia Bush

Question

I was given a sprig from a RED camellia bush. I planted it about three years ago. It had its first bloom this year and it was WHITE. How did this happen?

Answer 1

Camellia's do have a reputation of producing 'sports' which is another flower color on a branch.

The plant is just showing your a part of it's genetic make up.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/growing-camellias-how-to-propagate-camellias.htm