How to preserve camellia’s brilliant but short-lived blooms all year
by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
The premise of the West Ashley Wanderer column is that I wander my neighborhood so much that I tend to naturally happen upon cool things to share. I was exploring the Camellia Garden at Magnolia Plantation Gardens with my friend Susan Quinn Sand, when a volunteer waved to us saying, “the Camellia Waxing demonstration is ready to start!” and this month’s column topic landed in my lap.
I’d been fascinated by waxed camellias at the Hobcaw Barony booth at South Eastern Wildlife Exhibition displays and had it on my list of things to look into, so the timing was perfect.
Our host was Mike Brewer, Plants Collections Manager, who joined Magnolia nine months ago. He had previously been the Horticulture Business Manager, Cacti & Succulent Gardener, at the Naples Botanical Garden in Florida, teaching classes in orchid care. Mike learned the camellia waxing process from Jim Martin, Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor at Magnolia, and enjoys sharing the vintage technique that not many people know about.
We are spoiled by the glorious show of colorful camellias in Charleston, but often disappointed at their short life span after being cut. Waxing preserves the delicate beauty of the flowers, making them last longer while maintaining a fresh porcelain like appearance. Hostesses in days gone by, used to wax their best blossoms before a dinner party, floating them in water as a centerpiece.
Mike Brewer had a variety of perfect camellias laid out for the session, along with paraffin wax, mineral oil, a double bowl set up for an ice bath and what looked like the old eclectic skillet I used to make upside down pineapple cakes years ago. He collected the blossoms early to let the dew dry off and made sure they were clear of debris or ants. Camellia Japonicas blooming in January and February are most successful.
Pinks and whites with full blossoms are best. Avoid blossoms that are very full or so compacted that the wax won’t surround individual petals. Wax the flowers, not the leaves.
Susan answered the call to participate, and after the “watch one, do one,” demonstration she successfully waxed a perfect camellia to take home.
Process:
The temperature of the wax/oil mix seemed key, with 138 F being the sweet spot. The leaves were trimmed or held back with the stem, and the blossom was dipped into the melted wax in a smooth, side sweeping motion for a 1, 2 count. It was lifted, given a gentle shake to drip off excess wax, turned upright to let wax reach the interior petals for a 1, 2, 3 count. Then the flower was gently dipped into the ice cold water bath to set the wax. It was submerged for 30 seconds, while moving it slowly in the water to avoid air bubbles, and ensure an even wax coat. It was then laid, stem down on a protected surface to dry.
Mike explained that it wasn’t an exact science, and not to be surprised if you are tempted to experiment with other flowers. Irises, gardenias, and any flower without a complex petal structure. The wax, cleared of any debris can be kept for reuse. Helpful Youtube tutorials are available to see the process.
I asked Mike the tough Lowcountry question, “What is your favorite camellia?”
“That is a difficult question. My favorite cultivar is Camelia japonica ‘Francis B. Muckenfuss’. I love the name, and I’ve been told there are Muckenfuss that still live here in Charleston. My favorite cultivar flower is Camellia japonica ‘Captain Martin’s Favorite’, it’s a cultivar that originated right at Magnolia and has a wonderful story about how it got its name.”
Supplies Needed:
• 4 lbs of paraffin wax. Available in Art Supply stores
• 2 cups mineral oil (for a 4/2 ratio)
• Electric frying pan with dial temp control to heat the wax
• Thermometer
• Bowl of cold water & ice for setting the wax
• Strainer to remove debris from the wax.
• Newspaper to protect surfaces.
• Spoon to stir wax.
Stay healthy my friends and wave at me as I wander. Send ideas for upcoming columns to: westashleywanderer@gmail.com.
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