Camellia
Camellia japonica
The camellia is the state flower of Alabama and blooms during fall and winter. It became the state flower in 1959; goldenrod had previously been the state flower. Camellias are an evergreen shrub that grow indoors or outdoors; they are in the Theaceae (tea) family.
The flowers are composed many layers of rose-like petals and can be a number of different colors including any shade of pink, yellow, white, red or two tones. The leaves alternate on the stems; they are deep green and shiny. They prefer well-drained, acidic soils and will tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This flower is often fondly called "the rose of winter" by Alabama gardeners.
Winter Jasmine
Winter Jasmine
The winter jasmine is a bright yellow flower; it may look similar to forsythia. This flower blooms right in the middle of winter; it often reaches peak bloom in January.
The stems of winter jasmine are bright green and form a full, round vine-like shrub four to 10 feet tall and up to seven feet wide. The small, one-inch flowers are yellow or white; they bloom just a few at a time. However, they bloom for a length of six to eight weeks during mid winter. These work well for ground covers since they spread so fast.
Daylily
Hemerocallis Alabama Jubilee
The daylily Hemerocallis Alabama Jubilee is a fragrant perennial plant that tolerates cold weather. These bright red blossoms with golden yellow centers can grow to be about seven inches in diameter. The six overlapping petals curl over slightly at the ends, and the edges are a bit scalloped or ruffled. These flowers are also commonly called by some gardeners as "designer lilies." The plants themselves can grow to be nearly three feet in height.
Article Written By Naomi Judd
Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.
