What's a Camellia, you ask?
La Peppermint
A flowering plant related to the tea family, the Camellia takes center stage January and February in central Florida. Native to East and Southeast Asia, the Camellia was named by Linneaus in the 18th century.
The flowers represent longevity and faithfulness, a primary and longstanding floral component in Asian wedding celebrations. Not surprising on the longevity, the plants can live for decades to centuries without issue, claims have been made a 1,000 year old specimen exists in southeast China.
Prized for their beauty, seemingly perfect flowers and green, stiff leaves they were collected by the wealthy. King Louis XVI of France dispatched his botanist, Andre Michaux to collect plant specimens from across the world. Michaux gifted one of his Camellias to Charlestonian Henry Middleton. The plant forever made its mark in the coastal town thriving in the mild climate.
The camellia's popularity across the deep south and in New England greenhouses continued throughout the 18th century; some of the best known places to view plants today include Charleston, New Orleans, Pensacola, and also Orlando!
Leu Gardens boasts one of the largest outdoor Camellia collections in the nation; best viewed from November - March; the peak truly is in January. Nearby Mead Gardens boasts a significant collection and for this year plays host to the 66th Annual Camellia Show and Festival on January 21.
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