Learn how to grow camellia, discover its care, uses, and understand why this elegant flower became the symbol of Chanel traduzido por: OPENROUTER
Submitted at Jul 3, 2026, 12:30 PM
Camélia. (Chanel/Divulgação)
The camellia is one of the most admired flowers in the world. With delicate petals, a sophisticated appearance and an exuberant bloom during the colder months of the year, it has been winning space in gardens and landscaping projects for centuries. Beyond its beauty, the species also carries strong cultural and historical symbolism, being known worldwide as the flower that represents the Chanel brand.
Camélia. (Magnific/Divulgação)
Versatile and resistant when cultivated under ideal conditions, the camellia can live for decades and transform any projects with its classic look. It also comes in different colors and varieties, which broadens the possibilities of use in the decoration of outdoor areas.
Camélia. (Note Thanun/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Native to East Asia, especially China, Japan and Korea, the camellia belongs to the Camellia genus, which includes more than 200 species. The best known for ornamental purposes is Camellia japonica, famous for its large flowers, which can be single, semi-double or quite full. The colors range from white, pink, red and even mixed combinations, while the foliage remains green and glossy all year round.
A camélia é um dos maiores símbolos da Chanel. Escolhida por Coco Chanel por sua elegância e delicadeza, a flor se tornou um ícone atemporal da maison. (Revista VLK/Divulgação)
The flower gained even more notoriety by becoming one of the main symbols of Chanel. Designer Coco Chanel adopted the camellia as an icon of the brand after being inspired by the literary work The Lady of the Camellias, by Alexandre Dumas fils. Another reason that enchanted the designer was the simplicity of the flower: since it has no fragrance, it could be worn on clothes and accessories without competing with perfumes. Since then, the camellia has appeared in brooches, jewelry, prints and collections of the French maison, becoming one of the most recognized elements of the brand.
Camélia. (Aki/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Growing camellias is relatively simple when their natural needs are respected. Check out the main points:
The plant prefers partial shade or locations with gentle sun during the early morning hours. In regions with a mild climate, it can also receive a few hours of direct sun without harming its development.
It should be fertile, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic and have good drainage. Waterlogged soils favor root rot and compromise the plant's health.
Keep the soil always slightly moist, especially during the formation of the flower buds. Avoid both prolonged drying out and excess water.
Apply fertilizers rich in organic matter or specific fertilizers for acid-loving plants during spring and summer, stimulating growth and preparing the plant for the next bloom.
It can be done directly in the garden or in large pots, as long as there is enough space for root development and good drainage.
Camélia. (Rebrotar Plantas/Divulgação)
Despite being resistant, the camellia requires some care to bloom intensely every year. One of the main ones is to avoid sudden temperature changes during bud formation, as this can cause them to fall before the flowers open.
(Eco Warrior Princess/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Pruning also deserves attention: it should be carried out right after flowering, removing only dry or diseased branches, or those that harm the shape of the plant. In addition, it is important to monitor the appearance of aphids, mealybugs and fungi, especially in very humid projects. Maintaining good air circulation and performing periodic cleanings help to prevent these problems.
Camélia. (Note Thanun/Unsplash/Divulgação)
The camellia develops much better in outdoor areas, such as gardens, backyards, verandas and well-lit balconies. As it is a shrub that can reach several meters in height, it needs space to grow and natural conditions of ventilation and light. In pots, it also performs excellently, provided it receives abundant lighting and the containers are proportional to the size of the plant.
Camélia. (Mak/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Some species of camellia have medicinal and gastronomic importance. The best-known example is Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green, white, black, oolong and matcha teas are produced. Rich in antioxidant compounds, it is studied for its potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory action, aid in cardiovascular protection and fighting free radicals.
Camélia. (Magnific/Divulgação)
The more ornamental species, such as Camellia japonica, also appear in traditional Asian medicine. However, these ornamental varieties should not be consumed indiscriminately, as their food use is not the same as that of Camellia sinensis. Therefore, any medicinal or gastronomic use should only be made with appropriate species from a reliable source.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
traduzido por: OPENROUTER
