The camellia brings lush, rose-like blooms to the garden in fall, winter, and early spring, when little else is flowering. With glossy evergreen leaves and elegant flowers in white, pink, and red, it’s a cool-season treasure.

Camellia at a glance

• Botanical name: Camellia japonica
• Family: Theaceae
• Bloom season: fall through spring
• Symbolism: admiration, perfection, and devotion

About the camellia

Camellias are evergreen shrubs native to East Asia, prized for their many-petaled blooms and handsome foliage. The genus also includes Camellia sinensis, the plant whose leaves are used to make green, black, and oolong tea. Ornamental camellias flower from autumn into spring depending on the species.

Camellia meaning and symbolism

The camellia symbolizes admiration, perfection, and lasting devotion. It’s the state flower of Alabama, chosen for its winter beauty.

Types of camellia

Popular varieties worth knowing:

• Japonica — the classic winter-to-spring camellia
• Sasanqua — earlier, fall-blooming with smaller flowers
• Reticulata — very large, showy blooms
• Tea camellia (C. sinensis) — grown for tea leaves

How to grow and care for camellia

A few essentials keep this flower thriving:

• Plant in acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
• Give dappled shade or morning sun, sheltered from cold wind
• Keep soil evenly moist, especially while budding
• Mulch to protect shallow roots
• Prune lightly after flowering to shape

Camellia FAQs

When do camellias bloom?

It depends on the type: sasanqua camellias bloom in autumn, while japonica camellias flower from winter into early spring, bringing color to the coldest months.

Are camellias evergreen?

Yes. Camellias are evergreen shrubs with glossy dark leaves that look attractive year-round, even outside their flowering season.

Is tea made from a camellia?

Yes. Green, black, oolong, and white teas all come from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a relative of the ornamental garden camellia.

Explore more

Browse more flower profiles, learn about flower meanings, or find your birth flower.