What is the State Flower of Alabama?

What is the State Flower of Alabama?

Camellia is the state flower of Alabama. It was designated as the official state flower of Alabama in 1959. Goldenrod was the previous state flower of Alabama which was adopted in 1927. Camellia is also recognized as the state wildflower of Alabama.Camellia japonica is the scientific name of Camellia. Sometimes it is also called the rose of winter.

It is a native flower of China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. In August 1959, the goldenrod was overthrown after more than thirty years and the camellia became Alabama’s state flower. The ladies of Butler County thought that camellias were more appropriate as a state representative and, even though the camellia is from China.

Camellia japonica is proudly crowned as the state flower of Alabama. It is very easy to grow. The Camellia is an evergreen flowering shrub. It has incredible asceticism and magnificent beauty. Camellias always entice botanists, horticulturists, landscapers, and hobby growers with their beautiful, smooth, elegant leaves and gorgeous form. These eye-catching and slightly sweet flowers blossom from November to March, also in January and February.

Camellia Flower Facts

  • Common Name: Camellia, The rose of winter
  • Genus: Camellia
  • Species: japonica
  • Found in: China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan
  • Color: Pink, Red, yellow, white
  • Number of petals: 5-9
  • Size: 12 cm in diameter
  • Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
  • Period of blooming: fall through spring
  • Purpose: Tea, oil, medicine

Description And Size

Camellia flowers are big and noticeable anywhere. It has five to nine petals. They differ in color but mostly they are found in the brilliant shades of white, pink, red, yellow. The color differs according to the species. In Alabama, Camellia can be found brilliantly blooming from Birmingham roadsides to Selma State Park and beyond. It can also be found along with hiking and mountain trails, highways, thoroughfares, and home gardens.

In the Southern United States, the Camellia is cultivated quite a bit. The annual Alabama crop provides about two-thirds of Camellias. Camellia is loved everywhere. The gardeners, floral lovers, and growers of all types have increased the use of Camellia and acceptance considerably. For the success of growing camellia, one should locate camellia in partial shade in a protected spot that is not bare to strong wind. The camellia plant needs well-drained soil, reasonable watering, and neutral to somewhat acidic soil. Temperature is significant in ensuring the blossoming of camellias.

A maximum of 45 degrees Fahrenheit is needed until the buds are open. One needs to fertilize the plant every month during spring and summertime. He should be using a special acidic formula selected for camellias. Camellias are vulnerable to numerous pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and scale, which can be taken care of with insecticidal soaps or systemic insecticides. Camellia is used to making tea. Oil is also made from this flower. The oil is used for hair care in Japan. It also has uses as medicine. Camellia can survive from 100 to 200 years in the wild.

To sum up, Camellia has different uses and it is a very beautiful flower. It is the favorite flower of the people of Alabama and naturally, it was selected as the state flower of Alabama.

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