Camellia
Camellia japonica
Family: Theaceae · Also called Japanese Camellia, Tsubaki, Rose of Winter, Camellia japonica var. concava, Camellia japonica var. tamponea, Camellia bononicana
Green & Fresh · Winter–Spring bloomer
The camellia is winter's rose, a glossy-leafed evergreen that produces exquisite, sculptural blooms when most gardens are bare. The flowers range from simple five-petaled forms to densely layered doubles that rival the most complex roses. Blooming from late winter through early spring, camellias bring life and color to the coldest months.
admiration, perfection, longing, gratitude
In the Victorian language of flowers, camellia means “Admiration and perfection”. Coco Chanel adopted the camellia as her personal symbol, and it remains the signature motif of the Chanel brand. Alexandre Dumas' novel 'La Dame aux Camélias' (later Verdi's 'La Traviata') made the camellia a symbol of tragic romance. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a close relative.
Did You Know?
The tea you drink every morning comes from Camellia sinensis, a close relative of the ornamental camellia. Camellia oil, pressed from the seeds, has been used in Japan for centuries as a hair and skin treatment and to protect samurai swords from rust.
Temperate forests and mountains of China, Japan, and Korea
Camellia is native to East Asia. It naturally grows in temperate forests and mountains of china, japan, and korea.
Scent Profile
“A very subtle, clean green scent with faint tea-like notes, camellias are prized for their sculptural beauty rather than fragrance.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameCamellia japonica
- FamilyTheaceae
- Native ToEast Asia
- Bloom SeasonWinter–Spring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Coco Chanel adopted the camellia as her personal symbol, and it remains the signature motif of the Chanel brand. Alexandre Dumas' novel 'La Dame aux Camélias' (later Verdi's 'La Traviata') made the camellia a symbol of tragic romance. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a close relative.