Time to Apologize to My Camellia Tree

I almost killed it years ago.

Camellia buds: Photo by Author

Seattle is known for gloomy, rainy days in the winter.  Today is such a typical Seattle weather, although just about for a second I saw bright sunshine. 

Even on such a day, I found a bud with a hint of vivid pink/red dot on the camellia tree in my tiny yard.  Maybe it’s only a day or two away from blossoming! 


For about two or three months, this camellia is practically the only flower I can enjoy for my Ikebana from the yard.  Not only the striking flowers, the thick, shiny, vivid green of its leaves are so attractive, aren’t they? 

Sofu Teshigahara (勅使河原蒼風, 1900 – 1979), the founder of Sogetsu School of Ikebana, loved camellia so much and he created many Ikebana arrangements using only with camellias.  Looking at his photo books, I’m always amazed how versatile his depictions are about this lovely flower. 

I have a confession to make…

It must be over 25 years ago.  We just moved in this house and I was a new student of Sogetsu Ikebana.  Inspired by one of the works of our Grand Master Sofu Teshigahara, I decided to plant a camellia tree in the yard, hoping to use it for my Ikebana someday. 

I got a small sapling at the local arboretum and planted it. 

I didn’t realize how long it takes to grow it.  After 3 or four years I planted the tree, it was still tiny.  I gave up the idea of using this tree for my arrangement and started planting perennials next to it.  Those perennials were already in bloom. 

I lost my balance when trying to dig a hole, and inadvertently I stepped on the still tiny camellia sapling.  It was bend and also heavily damaged.  I almost gave it up, thinking it won’t last another year.

The trunk of the camellia tree: Photo by Author

You can see how crooked the trunk is at the bottom of this tree.  That’s my doing.  But the tree is still alive, and each winter it gives me so much joy with the abundant flowers. 


I’m sorry, Camellia.  It must have been painful when I stepped on you.  Thank you so much for thriving now regardless.  You look so beautiful!