Tea Flower or Japan Rose

I enjoyed a pleasant walk on a partly sunny Portland day. With the mild temperatures, spring flowers are already blooming.  I captured this red camellia and in the extra photo, white hellebores.

In China, Camellias are known as tea flowers. And the German naturalist, 
Engelbert Kaempfer called camellias "Japan Rose" and noted that while it grew wild, many superior varieties had been selected for gardens.

Symbolism of the Camellia Flower 
The camellia flower has enjoyed a rich history, including its reported inclusion in the secret gardens of Chinese Emperors. 
China  – The camellia flower is highly regarded in China and is even considered the national flower of southern China.  The camellia flower symbolizes young sons and daughters.
Japan – In Japan the camellia flower is called “Tsubaki” and symbolizes the divine. It is often used in religious and sacred ceremonies. It also represents the coming of spring.
Korea – In Korea the camellias flowers is a symbol of faithfulness and longevity. They have been part of traditional Korean wedding ceremonies since 1200 B.C.
Victorian England – In Victorian England the camellia bloom sent the secret message that the recipient was adorable.
United States – The camellia flower is the state flower for Alabama and typically represents southern beauty.

The Camellia Flower Facts
The camellia flower is native to Japan and China and has been part of their cultures for thousands of years.  In fact, the Chinese were cultivating camellias by 2737 B.C. These flowers did not reach Europe until the mid-1700s and made their way to North America shortly before the turn of the century.
The evergreen shrubs produce an abundance of colorful blooms against dark green foliage. The shrubs typically reach heights of 5 to 15 feet but can grow to heights of 20 feet or more if not trimmed regularly. The blooms resemble that of a rose and can be either single or double blooms. (http://www.flowermeaning.com/camellia-flower-meaning/)