Kyoto’s Unsung Floral Delight: Camellia

People throughout the world dream about being in Kyoto on a day like this: Peak Pink ladies and gentlemen.

I don’t blame you. It is nice to be here during peak pink.

The problem with peak pink is that it doesn’t last long; no more than a couple of days, or at most, three days.

Kyoto‘s real floral hero is not the cherry blossom; it is the camellia.

Whereas your typical cherry blossom lasts three days or so, the Camellia starts blooming in November and finally ends its floral display around this time of year. Dude, we’re talking four freaking months here!

For this Toronto lad, the humble Camellia is the winter flame burning in one’s heart during the coldest, darkest months of the year.

If I were John Keats, I would write an ode to you. As you know, I am not, so all I can say is...

Thank you Mr & Mrs Camellia. See you again in November.