In addition, it was hoped that old people would grow camellias in their retirement. It's also said that some people believed that goldenrod pollen irritated people with allergies. In fact, the goldenrod was incorrectly blamed for reactions caused by ragweed. No particular variety of camellia was designated. Since Alabama's official colors are red and white, the red camellia is considered by some the official state flower.
Camellias can also be white, pink, or a mixture.
Alabama's state flower is the only symbol not native to Alabama. It's from Asia. Camellias are named for G.J. Kamel, a Jesuit priest who traveled in Asia in the seventeenth century. Eight books that will brighten your life. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids . . .