Our plant for March 2019 is the ornamental Camellia flower, Camellia japonica. Known as common camellia, Japanese camellia, or tsubaki in Japanese, this is one of the best known species of the genus Camellia. The other most common type is Camellia sasanqua. The Camellia is an evergreen shrub which is related to the tea plant. It is grown for its showy flowers and shiny leaves.
The name camellia is of Latin origin, and means ‘helper to the priest.’ It was named after a Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel, although he knew nothing about the plant.
Plant: Camellia
Higher Classification: family Theacaea
Scientific Name: Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua
Folk Names: Rose of Winter
Gender: Feminine
Elements: Water
Deities: Benzaiten, Shichi Fukujin
Planet: Moon
Magickal Uses of Camellia
Parts Used: Petals or Whole Flower
- Confidence
- Decision Making
- Divine Feminine
- Friendship
- Good luck
- Gratitude
- Humility
- Perfection
- Reasoning
- Riches
- True Prosperity
Substitutions: Roses can often be used as a substitute for Camellia
Growing Camellia Plants
Camellias are long-lived trees and shrubs that provide year-round glossy-green foliage and cool season flowers. There are 100 – 300 describes species with perhaps thousands of different hybrids. Ranging in colors from pure white, to pink, to red, purple and yellow, these easy to grow plants are a favorite with gardeners everywhere.
Planting Tips:
- Camellias need to be planted a little high, so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil. This helps water drain away from the trunk.
- Camellia roots are shallow, so avoid planting them under shallow-rooted shade trees such as birch and maple. They are often grown in the light shade of tall, deep-rooted pine trees.
- Smaller varieties can be grown in containers. Use a potting mix designed for camellias, azaleas, or rhododendrons for best results.
Timing is critical when planting your camellias. Gardeners in warm areas (zones 8-10) can plant in the fall, winter and spring. If you are in zones 6 and 7 you’ll need to plant in springs so the plants will have a chance to establish its root system before cold weather sets in.
Medicinal Uses for Camellia
The information provided below is for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Additional information
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Antihaemorrhagic
- Astringent
The flowers of the Camellia plant are astringent, antihaemorrhagic, and haemostatic.
Because they are an antioxidant and antimicrobial they are excellent for salves and tonics. When mixed with sesame oil they are used in the treatment of burns and scalds.
Camellias can be a rich source of Omega-9, squalene and multiple vitamins and minerals.
