On 2013-10-19 20:58:53 +0100, Jeff Layman said:

http://tinypic.com/r/cnuwj/5

Photographed yesterday in Palmerston Park, Southampton. Apologies for
the pic size and quality (mobile phone was playing up).

The shrub was about 2 metres high and 1.5 - 2 across. Flowers were
about 7 cm across, with very prominent stamens. No scent.

It is very attractive, especially as not very much flowers at this time
of year (but I've seen quite a few shrubs flowering at the wrong time
recently). What is it?

It's hard to tell from the pic but it could be a Camelia, flowering
either very early or in a second and less vigorous flush. Our Hamamelis
mollis is flowering now still with half dead leaves on it!
--

Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk