Camellia: Japanese Rose Up Close with Folklore of Calyx Unraveled

There is something just a little more intrinsic about the camellia called Japanese rose. Camellias are often translated flaming love in the language of flowers. Unlike most flowers, the calyx falls right along with the petals after blooming, and this is said to represent an everlasting union between lovers in Chinese folklore. Camellias have long been used as a token for showing devotion by young lovers, as the petals reflect the lady and the calyx represents the man who has been entrusted to protect her. In this poetic analogy, the man does hold her and protect her from life right into death. It's no wonder that Chinese offer this beautiful flower in a tale of love because they were developed there and then more later in Japan, thus the name Japanese rose. Actually, I learned that the name camellia is from a Jesuit Priest by the last name Kamel. Camellias were introduced in Europe in 1792 and into the USA in 1820. They were mainly found in gardens in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and in California early on in this country. These hardy evergreen shrubs prefer slightly acid, humus rich soil, and remain attractive all year long.

.

Some of the more common types of camellias are the Sasanqua, Sinensis, Japonica, Reticulata, Common Tea, Winter Blooming, and Fall Blooming. The typical blooming season is from October to April in this region. Camellias like a cooler blooming season, and they simply do not stand up very well to high heat. So I guess the one in my front yard is a "shero;" although, it does get some shade. Some different varieties include single row with not more than 8 petals, semi-double with 2 or more rows of petals, anemone with outer rows of petals with center convex of petaloids and stamens. There is also the peony, which some may not realize is actually a camellia. They are gorgeous with a convex mass of petaloids intermingled with stamens. The rose form double shows stamens in a concave center, and the formal double has many rows of petals but never shows any stamens.

The striking beauty of a camellia in my own garden intrigued me to find out more about these fine flowers. The symmetry of this flower is remarkable, along with sharp contrast between the rich dark green leaves and the brilliant colors of the flower petals and stamens. I have dubbed the camellia queen of the garden, at least over what I have in my yard, and that does include a favored double delight rose that looks and smells wonderful.

I just stepped into a world of camellias, and came back with a little more appreciation for what I have, and I think I just added more flowers to my wish list. A friend gave me pink peonies from her garden once when I was not feeling well. I had never seen any flowers so playful and elegant-looking all at the same time. Maybe she can help me clone from hers because she is quite a gardener. She will be happy I asked, since she has so much appreciation for all things homegrown. Anyway, now when I think about how the petal and calyx die together after blooming,I will know why. I used to think something was wrong with the camellia I have. Now I have learned the symbolism from the camellia's life that it is just an eternity in love!

Gardeners must be naturally generous. Many are willing to share their know-how and their plants and, if you're really lucky, sometimes their muscle behind the shovel right with you. On that account, there are 4 different ways that can be used for propagation of camellias. For the typical home gardener, there is a simple way to propagate these flowers by air layering. In this manner, roots form while still attached to the mother plant, and a clone is formed. This is not mad science. It's really like sharing. There is grafting for the more experienced gardener, in which plants can be produced. There are cuttings used by commercial growers, and then seedlings used for new varieties over a long period of time. For more information about growing tips and propagation,you can visit the American Camellia Society. They have free downloads to help you get started growing or propagating your own camellias, not to mention the amazing photo galleries from shows, and so forth. You may just find a beauty you want in your garden too!