Meaning of Camelia

Camellia is a fragrant, rose-like flower that is very popular and highly respected in Southwest China. Camellia appears in two main colors, red and white, with an occasional pink specimen resulting from cross-breeding of the two flower colors.

Camellia Flower (Generalized)
Camellia in general, whether pink, red, or white, symbolize steadfastness and excellence. This meaning may be applied to a bouquet of mixed colors.

Red Camellia
Red Camellia is reminiscent of a rose, thus retaining the traditional symbolism of a rose, but with a more passionate side. Red Camellia is often described as "a flame in the heart."

White Camellia
White Camellia has the same connotations of love and desire but with a more innocent appeal. It's often used to tell someone they're adorable.

Symbolism in China
In China, giving Camellia flowers is a way to express love and devotion to another person. The flowers are symmetrical and long-lasting, as love should be.

National Flower
Camellia was the national flower of Dai Li, an ancient southern kingdom of China. It was honored, and today is still one of the most popular and respected flowers in Southwest China.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5724015_meaning-camelia_.html

What Is a Camellia Flower?

The camellia flower is a popular flower due to its colorful petals. It has been used in movies and in gardens as well as worn or placed on funeral caskets. Its distinct look, uses and rich history make the camellia a very interesting flower.

What Is the Camellia?
The camellia plant is native to Asia and has anywhere from 150 to 200 species. It is an evergreen bush that is small but has large showy flowers. The flowers also have seed pods that drop to the ground and produce more plants. Camellias are fast growing plants.

Symbolism
According to Living Art Originals, camellia flowers are the most respected flower in China and can be found in great profusion in the countryside. The Chinese believe camellia flowers symbolize devotion among young lovers. This flower is interpreted as a young man being a lady's protector. Additionally, the camellia is the national flower for Dai Li, an ancient kingdom (see Resources).

States and Cities
Some states and cities have adopted the Camellia flower as either the state or city flower. The state of Alabama lists the camellia as the state flower while Sacramento, California, Slidell, Louisiana, and Newburg, Oregon, honor the camellia as their city's flower.

Uses
The leaves of the camellia plant can be made into tea and certain plants are bred selectively for certain types of teas. As a matter of fact, the camellia plant is used in some of the finest teas made (see Resources). The seeds of the camellia plant are pressed and the juice extracted to make tea oil, which is used a seasoning or cooking oil, mainly in Southern China.

Endangered
Camellias are also widely grown as ornamental plants, however, some of the original species of the camellia are becoming rare in their natural habitat and are on the endangered species list due to habitat destruction.

Popularity
Because the flower is so popular, there are societies strictly for camellias. The American Camellia Society and the International Camellia Society, both devoted to camellias, are just two of the societies that exist. Both of these societies have websites featuring information on types of and care camellias as well as an encyclopedia about camellias. Camellia shows that can be found in certain areas of the country.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_5052334_camellia-flower.html