The Alabama State Flower: Camellia
The different states in the United States have a history of choosing symbols that represent their land. Therefore, states today have flowers that symbolize their land and their people. For Alabama, the state flower is the Camellia, a beautiful shrub-growing flower that originates from China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. For more information about the Alabama state flower, this article will explain all you need to know!
This is what you will learn about Camellia flowers and shrubs:
– an overview of the plan
– history of the flowe
r – the symbolism of the flower
– planting and taking care of them
– when to plant and when they will grow best
Overview of Camellias
Camellias are beautiful flowers that grow on shrubs. The delicate petals and their bright colors contrast with the dark green foliage of the shrub, making the flowers stand out. There are so many different colored Camellias to chooses from. Ranging from bright red to plain white, these flowers and their shrubs look great in any garden. Camellias also have a unique shape. Their triangular petals are all arranged geometrically toward the center, which makes them pleasing to the eye.
There are more than 3,000 different kinds of Camellias. That is why there are so many different colors. This is also why there are a variety of blooming seasons. The most common Camellias grow in the winter- from fall to spring. However, there are some species of Camellia shrubs that blossom in the spring.
History of Camellias
Camellias originate from eastern and southern Asia. Before they became popular all over the world, these flowers were loved by many- especially in Japan. In Japanese, Camellias are called Tsubaki, meaning “tree with many leaves.” In the Shinto religion, they believed that the gods, when coming to earth, would live in the Camellias. Therefore, these plants and their flowers were respected and honored. They did not even cut the flowers from the shrub as they believed it correlated with beheading.
Camellias became popular throughout the world because of the flower’s associations with tea. Certain species of Camellias were used to make tea. This drink became popular in China around 1700 B.C.E and was used for trade. They say that the East India Company brought tea to Europe around 1650 where it became even more popular- especially in England. About 80 years after its introduction to Europe- around 1740- the Camellia flower began to be grown and cultivated in England.
Camellias came to the United States in the late 18th century. A man named André Michaux was a botanist and plant explorer for King Louis XVI. He went to the United States where he founded a botanical garden in the South. This garden, near Charleston, was established in 1786 and had a variety of flowers that were not from the United States- one of which was the Camellia.
Michaux also gave Camellias to one of his friends named Henry Middleton. He planted Camellias all over his plantation which is called Middleton Place. They claim that this is the site of the oldest landscaped garden in the United States.
Soon after Middleton planted Camellias, everyone else in the surrounding area wanted to plant Camellias. However, at that time they were generally exclusive, so only wealthy people were able to display Camellias in their garden. Because of the overall popularity of this plant and their flowers, there was a strong push to make Camellias the state flower of Alabama. The state flower had previously been the goldenrod since 1927. The governor, John Patterson signed a bill in 1959 that officially made the state flower of Alabama the Camellia.
The Symbolism of Camellias
As the state flower of Alabama, the Camellia represents southern beauty. In addition, it represents other symbols such as passion, excellence, and longevity. The symbolism of Camellias varies by their color. So, different colors mean represent different things.
Red camellias represent passion and pink one represents longing. White camellias are associated with purity, luck, and even the love between a mother and her child. All in all, camellias represent many things, but always maintain their natural beauty and representation of the state of Alabama.
Planting and Taking Care of Camellias
As shrubs, Camellias do not require very much attention. It is marvelous to see the bright colors of the flowers in the wintertime, when there are few flowers in bloom. Although these plants are generally easy to care for, there are some points to keep in mind in order to maintain their beauty.
For newer Camellia plants, they recommend that they be planted in partial shade so that the sun does not cause too much damage. Young plants should also be watered regularly so that the roots can stay moist. Be sure to plant them in an area where the water can easily be drained or dried. Letting the roots sit in water without sunlight or drainage will damage the plant. Another tip for younger Camellias is to evenly mulch around the plant. This is so that the roots can stay cool when exposed to the sun.
As Camellias bloom year after year, they do not require as much attention. When they grow larger, Camellias can tolerate more sunlight and can survive with less watering.
After the flowers on the shrub have finished blossoming, be sure to prune the plant to maintain its health. Clear away branches and wood that are dead or too weak. This will provide more space for the flowers to bloom properly and beautifully.
When to Plant Camellias and When They Will Grow Best
As mentioned before, Camellias are usually a winter plant. They grow best between the autumnal and spring seasons. To make sure that your Camellias brighten up your garden at the correct time, plant them in the spring or in the fall. The roots of the Camellia can then gain strength and attach to the land before the colder weather comes. Then, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful state flower of Alabama.
