A rainy day occasionally puts a damper on things, but you can always shed your waterproof layers in an entryway filled with sunny camellia flowers! These gorgeous flowers are hard to resist with their delicate, layered petals, especially since they bloom just after most flowers have faded away.
But there’s more to the camellia than just its beauty—this flower is brimming with meaning and symbolism. Whether you’re expressing everlasting love or showing a friend how much you care, the camellia could be the perfect choice. Keep reading to discover the fascinating camellia meaning and camellia symbolism, and why these flowers have been cherished for centuries.
The Origin of the Camellia
The camellia is a flowering shrub or small tree that includes hundreds of species, each one adding its own charm to gardens around the world. Native to East and South Asia—especially in China, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and India—most camellia varieties thrive in chilly temperatures. These resilient plants are known for blooming during the cold weather months, with some camellias appearing in the middle of winter, while others wait until spring.
Like many plants, the name “camellia” is attributed to the famous taxonomist Carl Linnaeus, who named the genus after Georg Joseph Kamel. Kamel was a botanist and pharmacist who contributed extensively to the study of plants in the Philippines. Though camellias are most closely associated with China and Japan, a few species are native to the Philippines, which is why Linnaeus honored Kamel’s work in naming the camellia.
Types of Camellias
- Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica): This species is one of the most popular and widely cultivated types of camellia, known for its large, beautiful blooms that appear in early spring. The Japanese camellia is often prized for its vibrant colors and wide variety of cultivars, from the pale pink ‘Debutante’ to the deep red ‘Kramer’s Supreme’. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden when other flowers are still months away.
- Sasanqua Camellia (Camellia sasanqua): Unlike the Japanese camellia, the Sasanqua camellia blooms earlier in the fall to early winter, often when holiday decorations are just beginning. These plants have slightly smaller flowers but tend to produce them in greater abundance, making them a beautiful and low-maintenance choice for your landscape. They also have a lovely fragrance that sets them apart.
- Camelia Reticulata: Known for its large, showy blooms, this species of camellia is perfect for making a statement in your garden. The flowers of Camellia reticulata come in a range of colors, from soft pastels to deep reds, and are often larger than other camellia species.
Camellia Meaning and Symbolism
Each camellia carries unique symbolism depending on where it’s grown and the cultural context. Let’s take a closer look at what the camellia meaning and camellia symbolism are across different parts of the world:
China
In Chinese culture, the camellia flower is a symbol of enduring love. This symbolism is rooted in the flower’s biology. Unlike many other flowers, which lose their petals slowly, the camellia sheds both its petals and sepals at the same time when it dies. This dual drop of petals (representing a woman) and sepals (representing a man) is seen as a powerful metaphor for two lovers joining together as they move into the next phase of life.
Japan
Traditionally, samurais admired the camellia for its strength, representing bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, the camellia’s quick fall of petals mirrors the swift nature of samurai warriors, who were often quick to strike down their enemies. Because of their connection to samurais, camellias are also used to honor fallen warriors.
United States
In the U.S., the camellia symbolism mirrors that of China and Japan. The flowers are often seen as symbols of love, affection, and desire. Since camellias bloom in winter, when most plants are dormant, they are also associated with resilience and the ability to thrive against the odds.
What is the Meaning of Camellia Flowers?
White Camellias
White camellias symbolize purity and innocence. They’re a popular choice for weddings, though in Japan, they are also associated with death and are often used in funeral arrangements. Additionally, white camellias convey respect and admiration, making them perfect for teachers, mentors, or loved ones who inspire you.
Pink Camellias
If you’re in a long-distance relationship or simply miss someone, pink camellias are an excellent way to express your longing.
Red Camellias
Red camellias are the quintessential symbol of passion, love, and romance. If you’re looking to make someone blush, a red camellia will do the trick!
Yellow Camellias
Though not as common, yellow camellias symbolize friendship and the joy of a unique connection. You can explore snapdragon flower meanings for more friendly send possibilities.
Camellias in To Kill a Mockingbird
Perhaps the most famous camellia occurs in the Harper Lee novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In case you haven’t read this book, we’ll let you have a little taste.
A girl named Scout, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus live in an Alabama town. A hateful, elderly lady named Mrs. Dubose also lives in the same town. Much to the dismay of Mrs. Dubose and other residents, lawyer Atticus agrees to defend a falsely-accused black man named Tom Robinson.
After Jem hears Mrs. Dubose bad-mouthing his father, Jem removes her camellia flower buds as an act of retaliation. Upon learning about what Jem has done, his father instructs him to spend time reading to Mrs. Dubose. Unbeknownst to Jem, she is addicted to morphine.
With Jem’s help, she quits her addiction before her death. She also leaves him a box filled with a white camellia, symbolizing an appreciation for his patience.
Fun Facts About Camellias
If you need some more reasons to fall in love with camellias, check out these fun facts:
Time for Tea
One species of camellia, Camellia sinensis, is used to produce black, white, and green tea. Growers carefully tend to plants and then harvest the leaves once they’re at the correct stage. From this point, processing determines the end product.
State Flower of Alabama
While the camellia isn’t native to the United States, it’s the current Alabama state flower.
Deer Won’t Bother Them
If you’re looking for a deer-resistant shrub, consider camellias. While deer will chow down on lots of garden greenery, they tend to leave camellias alone.
A High Fashion Flower
French fashion designer Coco Chanel was known for wearing camellia flowers. Not only are these flowers beautiful, but their fragrance-free flowers didn’t clash with her favorite perfume. Today, you can find camellias on Chanel bags, clothing, and jewelry.
Petals Galore
When it comes time to categorize camellia flowers, you can look at the color as well as the shape. Gardeners often describe camellias using one of these six terms.
- Single camellias have a maximum of eight petals that are arranged in a single layer.
- Semi-double camellias have 9 to 21 petals arranged in two or three layers.
- Anemone form camellias have large outer petals and a cluster of short inner petals that blend in with the stamens.
- Peony form camellias have rounded flowers composed of many irregularly-shaped petals.
- Rose form camellias have cup-shaped flowers composed of several layers of neat petals.
- Formal double camellias have several rows of neatly arranged, overlapping petals.
Camellias: A Perfect Gift
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, sending a birthday wish, or simply spreading some cheer, camellia flowers are a perfect choice. With their deep symbolism and striking beauty, they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day. And with the camellia flower meaning so rich in love, resilience, and admiration, these flowers make an unforgettable gift.
Winter-blooming camellias remind us how flowers can light up even the darkest of days. If you’re looking to send a friend some cheer or wish your mom a happy birthday, a bouquet will do the trick. Fortunately, The Bouqs Co. makes it easy to send flowers to everyone you love (including yourself)! If you want to read more about fun symbolism in holiday flowers check out our posts on amaryllis meaning and symbolism and poinsettia meaning and symbolism.
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