Red Camellia

Description:

'Althaeflora' Sometimes called the rose of winter bears semi-double flowers in a deep scarlet that unfurl in early spring. Slow growing, upright to spreading shrub or small tree with age. Oval, glossy, leaves and profuse winter to spring blooming flowers in milder climates. A true heritage plant, and favorite of Southern gardens. Numerous cultivars available with every imaginable shade of pink, red, white and combination of available.

Habitat:

Camellias are hardy to USDA zones 6 through 9 and are especially popular in the southeastern United States. In colder climates, mulch well to protect the shallow root system from frost. They prefer partial shade but will require more sun in colder climates. Take care to protect blossoms from early morning sun, which can make petals brown and limp, and roots from overheating. Camellias thrive in moist, acidic soil.

Notes:

Tea oil is a sweet seasoning and cooking oil made by pressing the seeds. It is the most important cooking oil for hundreds of millions of people, particularly in southern China. Camellias are seen as lucky symbols for the Chinese New Year and spring and were even used as offerings to the gods during the Chinese New Year. It is also thought that Chinese women would never wear a Camellia in their hair because it opened much later after the bud formed. This was thought to signify that she would not have a son for a long time.