Typically we associate late fall with a time of closing down. After
all, the trees are shedding, the frost is shutting down our summer
annual blooms and plant growth seems to grind to a halt. All that
seems left is to rake up the fallen leaves, cut back the withered
perennials, pull up the dead annuals and cut the grass one more time
before winter makes its house call. But all is not ending in the
garden. Some things are just beginning. One of these is the cold
hardy, fall blooming camellia, ‘Snow Flurry’.
This glossy evergreen shrub begins its display of fresh large white
blooms in late fall and keeps on blooming into winter. It likes to
grow in the shade, will reach a height of 6 feet and is cold hardy to
zone 6. This plant originated in China and its seeds are used to make
edible oil called tea oil. So not only is it beautiful but it is a
functional plant. I couldn’t help lingering to look at ‘Snow Flurry’
and took a picture for you to enjoy. You might consider planting one
in your garden as a reminder that fall can bring in the new as well as
usher out the old.
thedailylily.com 
Wow, beautiful flower, Debi. Thanks for sharing the photo of the ‘Snow Flurry’. Interesting, how a flower this pretty can bloom, even in the cold winter. 🙂
Debi, I love that beautiful flowering winter plant. Now I have 2 favorites….Snow Flurry and PANSIES…especially the ones that AREN’T eaten by our local community BUNNY RABBIT. Gr-r-r-r. 🙂
It is interesting Needles…and that its petals look so pure and white despite the dark, frosty night. And MG, the bunnies will have to reach a little higher to get at this bush as it pushes its way heavenward.
Autumn makes me think of giving thanks with a grateful heart. And, this Camellia gives the pump a healthy start. Wish I had a place to plant one.
Is this one for sale? What is the $?
Is Leesburg zone 6? How about eastern NC? Does this one have fragrance? Can it handle a pot? And, how much sun?
Yes, this camellia is for sale…have four left for sale in 3 gallon pots that are regularly $32 but currently have half price sale so great time to buy. Leesburg is zone 6b (a little warmer than 6). Eastern NC is 8a (much warmer). Snow Flurry is fragrant and should be able to handle a pot if kept moist according to what I have read. This camellia must have protection from winter winds and must be in dappled shade. It may not bloom well in too much deep shade.
Not much chance I have a place for it! 😦 Sure sounds lovely. So I will enjoy the photo. Thanks, Debi.
“edible oil called tea oil” is this tea tree oil?
No, it is not tea tree oil. I read where tea oil made from the seeds of the camellia is one of the main cooking oils in southern China.
How beautiful Debi. Perhaps I could grow one in my backyard. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful picture of the Camelia.
Debi, do you know if this tea oil is suppose to be a “healthy oil”, like we say olive oil is? Just wondering? 🙂
Yes it is Needles according to what I have read on it. Some say even better than olive oil and can be used for cooking, facial and hair treatment and has medicinal effects.
Well, where do we get this tea oil? Maybe I don’t have green thumb to keep the beauty of the bloom going through ice and snow but I could use the oil!
I looked online under ‘camellia tea oil buy’ and saw several sources.