Camellia Flower Meaning and Symbolism

Apart from being incredibly beautiful to look at, camellia flowers also carry hidden aspects that relate to love, admiration, and cultural significance across different societies.

Camellias are a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae and are native to eastern and southern Asia. These evergreen shrubs are known for their attractive, glossy foliage and stunning flowers, which bloom in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and yellow.

Camellia flowers can be single, semi-double, or double-petaled, depending on the variety. They primarily bloom during fall, winter, and early spring. Camellias grow best in moist, acidic soil and prefer partial shade.

Some species of camellias are cultivated for their leaves, which are used to produce tea, most notably Camellia sinensis, the tea plant.

In Chinese culture, camellias represent nobility and perfection – they were a part of the “Four Noble Ones” along with orchids, plum blossoms, and chrysanthemums in ancient times.

Tsubaki or Camellias in Japan represent the divine and are one of the most popular flowers, as they bloom in winter, defying the cold. The striking early blossoms were also a part of the  Shinto wedding rituals.

In the West, camellias were cultivated and painted as a sign of luxury and beauty because the flowers were expensive and hard to grow in cold climates.

In general, lighter camellia blooms convey positive meanings like purity and affection, while deeper-hued flowers express romantic love and passion.