If you are a regular reader, you know that camellias have consumed me. They have a long bloom period; you can have different varieties blooming from Thanksgiving until Spring is fading. The blooms do not last long when you cut them and bring them inside. But cut them, you will. What a pleasure to gaze on the curling and furling petals which surround the stamens that stand at attention with a determined upright stance and at times they appear to take on a life of their own. So I just learned how to preserve that moment when one bloom is at the height of its beauty. WAX IT!
A well-known and excellent grower in our area came to show us just how its done. We were thrilled with the results and the process was great fun! THERE WAS SOME WINE INVOLVED, but truly the fun was all in the doing.
Each blossom was frozen in its most natural state.
The process can be a bit messy. We had the station for waxing set up in a garage with tables covered in paper.
The first few were a process in learning, good technique comes with practice. If you do not swirl just so, and pull the bloom up and drip properly, you might get little blobs of wax forming.
If there is any browning or fading of the petal, the wax is hot and so will make that spot even browner. 
But somehow the beauty is still striking.
The waxed camellias can last anywhere from one day to 3 weeks. Mine did not last very long, but I placed them in a silver basket and marveled at their frozen moment of loveliness!
Jayne In Georgia 
Very Interesting Jayne! I have been playing with flower preservation for years. I have never waxed any of my favorite floral victims. I have tried shellac, hairspray, glycerin, all sorts of drying methods including microwaving, pressing, oven drying, old fashioned “Hangings” etc… I have never tried to capture a moment in a bloom to enjoy it for a longer period of time. Before getting to the end of your blog, I thought you were on to something for a flower arrangement that might be preserved for a long, long time. I loved your inspiring attitude of being happy with a few extra hours, not months. I’d love to try waxing now with other flowers…Have you tried waxing with roses, hydrangea or orchids?
So much fun! Happy Monday!
ox
L
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The camellia blossom stands up to the heat of the wax. I’ve never tried any other blossom,but it might be worth a try!
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What a great idea. I am in love with camellias also and they really help with getting through the winter.
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