Alabama might surprise you! Beyond its beautiful beaches and delicious southern cooking, the state boasts a rich history, charming towns, and stunning natural landscapes. But what about its floral emblem? Dive into this blog to discover the unexpected beauty of Alabama's official state flower — the camelia — and learn some fun facts about the Heart of Dixie along the way!
The History of Alabama's State Flower
Camellias (Camellia japonica) are evergreen flowering shrubs that bloom in red, white, pink, and even yellow. In Alabama, red and white camellias are a popular choice because they reflect the state's official color. Camellias hail from the gardens of Asia, specifically China and Japan. Their journey to the Southern part of America began in the 18th century when they became prized possessions in European conservatories. In the 1800s, they said having a camellia in your garden was equivalent to having a Rolex.
The camellia wasn't always Alabama's state flower. In fact, the goldenrod held that title for a brief period in the late 19th century. However, a group of passionate flower enthusiasts in Butler County lobbied for a change. They felt the goldenrod, often considered a weed, wasn't an ideal representation of the state's beauty. Their efforts paid off, and the camellia was officially recognized as Alabama's state flower in 1959.
The Camellia's Flower Meaning
In the language of flowers, camellia conveys love, affection, and admiration. Colors can add another layer to flower meanings.
- Red camellias express passionate love and desire.
- Pink camellias symbolize longing, admiration, and appreciation.
- White camellias stand for pureness, innocence, and perfection.
The camellia also holds great cultural significance in other countries. In China, it embodies the eternal bond between lovers. In Japan, the camellia is also highly regarded as a symbol of love. Japanese women wear camellia flowers to ornament their hair in formal and traditional tea ceremonies. However, it is considered impolite or taboo to gift white camellia in get well soon flowers, especially to the elderly or sick loved ones in the hospital, because it is associated with death.
Where to See Camellias in Alabama
Alabama's mild winters and warm climate create the perfect environment for camellias to thrive. If you want to see this gorgeous state flower in the wild, keep an eye out for camellias in public gardens, parks, and even some private homes. Thanks to the state's love for this flower, you're likely to encounter them in many unexpected places!
- Beeland Park Gardens in Greenville: This 8-acre camellia garden boasts over 400 camellia trees, some dating back 70 years! It boasts a stunning display of color, especially during peak bloom season (typically February to April).
- Hess Camellia Garden in Birmingham: Located within Birmingham Botanical Gardens, this garden features a variety of camellia, including both sasanqua and japonica varieties. It's a fantastic place to learn about camellia care and see different flower types.
How Long Do Camellias Bloom
Alabama's state flower is a champion when it comes to blooming time. Each individual camellia flower puts on a long-lasting show, gracing gardens for a remarkable 2-3 weeks. But that's not all! Depending on the variety, a camellia bush can flower for weeks or months!
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