Discover the Official State Flower of Alabama (When It Blooms and Where to See It!)

Alabama is located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, and Florida to the south. The state was named after the Alabama tribe of Native Americans who inhabited this area before Europeans arrived. It became a territory of the United States in 1817 and part of the Union on December 14th, 1819, as its 22nd state. Have you ever wondered what the official state flower of Alabama is? Read on to discover it!

Alabama State Flower

The Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica L) was chosen as the official state flower of Alabama in 1959. It replaced the goldenrod, which had been named the state flower in 1927. Although not native to Alabama, its popularity as a garden plant and its association with southern culture likely played a role in its selection. The bloom season for this species is typically from late fall through winter or early spring when temperatures are cooler. These flowers can be seen growing wild throughout much of the south, including Alabama, but can also be found in gardens and public parks all around the state. They come in an array of colors, such as white, pink, and even red, depending on the variety.

Alabama State Wildflower

The oak-leaf hydrangea, Alabama’s state wildflower, is a stunning native shrub growing up to 8 feet tall and wide. It features large, serrated leaves resembling oak tree leaves, which give it its name. Delicate white flowers bloom in spring, turning pink as they age. These flower clusters create an impressive display when seen in groups of hundreds or thousands in their natural environment, such as Alabama’s woodlands or thickets.

William Bartram first described this species during his famous travels through the Southeast United States in 1791, writing extensively about its beauty and unique characteristics. In 1992, the state legislature declared the oak-leaf hydrangea Alabama’s official wildflower, making Alabama one of only two states with a state wildflower, along with Georgia.

Visitors can enjoy the oak-leaf hydrangea across Alabama from late April to early July, depending on environmental conditions. It flourishes in partial shade but also thrives in full sunlight with sufficient moisture. To experience its breathtaking beauty, explore woodland areas near you!

Where to See the State Flower of Alabama

If you want to see camellias in the wild, Alabama has many locations with these beautiful flowers. Visit Gulf State Park near Orange Beach or Monte Sano State Park near Huntsville in springtime for popular camellia viewing spots. Both parks offer trails and paths with blooming camellias. You can also spot them along roadsides throughout the state during this season.

To view more camellia varieties, consider visiting botanical gardens and arboretums in Alabama that specialize in growing different camellia species, like Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, or Auburn University Arboretum.

For an even broader selection, attend annual festivals hosted by Alabama camellia societies, such as The Montgomery Camellia Society or The Greater Birmingham Camellia Society, which showcase hundreds of flowering camellia plants from around the world!

How Common Are They?

Camellias are a great addition to many gardens in Alabama due to their hardiness and ability to thrive even in difficult climates. Recently, there has been an increase in camellias being grown across the state, thanks to the breeding of more varieties that can survive the various climates throughout the state.

In addition to camellias, oak-leaf hydrangeas are native to Alabama and grow naturally throughout the state. If you’re looking for a place where you can view these beautiful flowers in all their glory, Aldridge Gardens is one of the best places to visit just outside Birmingham. Here you’ll find large populations of oak-leaf hydrangeas blooming throughout the area.

Can You Pick Them?

If you are looking for oak-leaf hydrangea flowers or camellia flowers in Alabama, you can only pick them with permission from the owners of the land or if they are growing in your own yard. It is important to remember that picking public gardens and botanical garden flowers is strictly prohibited. Experts have designed and maintained such gardens, so it’s best to leave their blooms intact for everyone to enjoy. If you want to be able to pick wildflowers for yourself, make sure that you contact a private landowner who has given permission for this activity on their property.

When Do They Bloom?

Different varieties of camellias bloom at different times. Those classified as early bloom from September to November. The Midseason varieties bloom from mid-November to February. The late bloomers flower in mid-February through mid-March. If you plant your garden plantings carefully, you can use a variety of camellia’s and have flowers from September clear through the middle of March!

Oak-leaf hydrangeas flower in Alabama in May and June.

Growing Camellias in Alabama

When to Plant 

Start planting camellias in Alabama during early fall or winter when temperatures remain above freezing. You can plant container-grown camellias any time of the year. Ideally, prepare the planting site and soil several weeks before planting. Dig a hole twice the diameter and 1 1/2 times the height of the root ball, making it bigger for clay soil. Place one part pine bark and one part fresh soil at the hole’s center and position the plant on top. Fill the hole with your planting mix until it reaches halfway up the root ball.

Where to Plant 

Choose partially shaded locations, like under pine trees, to plant camellias, as this protects them from sunburn and provides year-round filtered light. Keep them away from shallow-rooted trees that compete for nutrients and water. Also, avoid windy or exposed areas to prevent wind damage to blooms during winter and summer.

Types to Plant 

Alabama’s camellia varieties may vary in cold weather resistance. Typically, blooms shrink below 20°F, and open blooms may suffer damage at temperatures as low as 26°F. Some varieties, like double flowers, might not yield typical or perfect blooms below 20°F. Blooms can be damaged between 20°F and 30°F if temperatures suddenly change after a warm period.

Sunlight 

For the northern half of Alabama, plant early and late-blooming, single, semi-double, and peony form camellias in areas with northern or western exposure to shield them from intense winter morning sun. In the southern part, these plants grow with less concern. However, camellia enthusiasts often house them in plastic or glass greenhouses.

Soil Type and pH 

Camellias thrive in various soil types, such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils, which must contain the right levels of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). They also need trace elements like iron, magnesium, copper, and calcium for growth. The ideal soil is garden loam with organic matter (leaf mold, compost, or humus). Camellias grow best in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.0 – 6.5) and struggle in alkaline conditions (pH above 7.0).