Camellia japonica 'Jean May' is in bloom right now on the Atlanta Temple property--and that is normal! There are two types of camellias, the sasanqua and the Japanese, neither of which are native to the south, but perform very well in the dappled shade, and rich moist, acidic soils that are commonly found here. The sasanquas bloom from September to December and the Japanese types bloom from January to March. Both are often called "the winter rose of the south" adding wonderful color to the brown, dormant landscape. The leaves of camellias bushes are broadleaf evergreen with a highly polished luster. Someday, perhaps, we will have fragrance along with such perfection.
Tea olives,
Osmanthus fragrans are also blooming at this time of year and have a wonderful fragrance as well (hence the name). Tea olives are in the Oleaceae family with other members such as lilacs, jasmine, forsythia, fringetrees, olives, and ashes. It makes sense, then that they have a lovely fragrance akin to orange blossoms. The individual blooms are only 1/2" long, but occur in clusters that collectively create a pleasant overall fragrance. I am often surprised by this plant and its determination to bloom continuously. Anytime we get a little extra rain or a few pleasant temperate days through the summer, fall, or winter the tea olive responds by blooming--how generous an offering for slight changes in the weather!
Camellia japonica 'Jean May' is in bloom right now on the Atlanta Temple property--and that is normal! There are two types of camellias, the sasanqua and the Japanese, neither of which are native to the south, but perform very well in the dappled shade, and rich moist, acidic soils that are commonly found here. The sasanquas bloom from September to December and the Japanese types bloom from January to March. Both are often called "the winter rose of the south" adding wonderful color to the brown, dormant landscape. The leaves of camellias bushes are broadleaf evergreen with a highly polished luster. Someday, perhaps, we will have fragrance along with such perfection. 
Tea olives, Osmanthus fragrans are also blooming at this time of year and have a wonderful fragrance as well (hence the name). Tea olives are in the Oleaceae family with other members such as lilacs, jasmine, forsythia, fringetrees, olives, and ashes. It makes sense, then that they have a lovely fragrance akin to orange blossoms. The individual blooms are only 1/2" long, but occur in clusters that collectively create a pleasant overall fragrance. I am often surprised by this plant and its determination to bloom continuously. Anytime we get a little extra rain or a few pleasant temperate days through the summer, fall, or winter the tea olive responds by blooming--how generous an offering for slight changes in the weather! 
1 comments:
I love the jasmine that our neighbors have - the summer nights are gorgeous with that small drifting through the windows. I'll have to see if I can find a tea olive for the other side of the yard.
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