camellia-japonica-20

500px provided description: Camellias are flowering, shade-loving, small trees or shrubs presenting in a remarkable range of colors, forms, and sizes. Depending on the variety they may bloom in late fall, winter and early spring. Their blooms, from white or pink to deep red, some as simple as a wild rose, others as full blown as a peony, are set against glossy dark green leaves. The camellia flower is native to Japan and China and has been part of their cultures for thousands of years. In fact, the Chinese were cultivating camellias by 2737 B.C. These flowers did not reach Europe until the mid-1700s, and made their way to North America shortly before the turn of the century. The camellia flower is highly regarded in China and is even considered the national flower of southern China. The camellia flower symbolizes young sons and daughters. In Japan the camellia flower is called ?Tsubaki? and symbolizes the divine. It is often used in religious and sacred ceremonies. It also represents the coming of spring. In Korea the camellias flowers is a symbol of faithfulness and longevity. They have been part of traditional Korean wedding ceremonies since 1200 B.C. In Victorian England the camellia bloom sent the secret message that the recipient was adorable. The camellia flower is the state flower for Alabama and typically represents southern beauty. [#flower ,#floral ,#closeup ,#pink ,#blooming ,#camellia]