ABOUT CAMELLIAS

Camellias are native to China, Japan and Indo-China. Although Camellia sinensis was widely cultivated for leaves to produce tea, gardeners soon appreciated additional varieties for beautiful color and form. With a few exceptions, camellias do not generate a fragrance. Camellias were introduced to Europe at the end of the eighteenth century. By 1840, they were found in many other countries, including the United States. The Camellia was known as the “Queen of the Winter Flowers.”