Montgomery, AL – A delegation from Alabama’s “Camellia City,” Greenville, has announced that a new variety of Alabama’s State Flower, Camellia japonica L., has been officially named in honor of Governor Kay Ivey.
During a visit to the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, officers with the Greenville Camellia Society, joined by Greenville Mayor Jae’Ques Brown, presented Governor Ivey with a proclamation and a plaque from the American Camellia Society confirming the official registration of the new “Governor Kay Ivey” camellia.
“I am deeply touched to receive this special and unique honor, especially since it is one shared with my predecessor and mentor, Governor Lurleen B. Wallace,” Governor Ivey said. “The camellia has always been one of my favorite flowers.”
Camellias have been a prominent part of Alabama’s landscape since their arrival in the early 1800s. The flower’s cultural and historical significance led to its designation as Alabama’s State Flower in 1959. Each year, Camellia Day is observed on January 7, coinciding with the height of the camellia’s blooming season.
The only previous instance of an Alabama camellia variety being named for a governor occurred in 1968, when “Alabama’s Lurleen” was dedicated to Governor Lurleen B. Wallace. The newly named Governor Kay Ivey Camellia has also been formally registered with the American Camellia Society.
In addition to this recognition, camellias are a visible feature of the Alabama State Capitol grounds. Sixty camellias were planted at the Capitol in 2006 under the direction of then–First Lady Patsy Riley, and they continue to bloom annually for visitors.
“This dedication is a perfect way to celebrate Camellia Day in 2026 by naming a camellia for Governor Ivey,” said Forrest Latta, president of the Alabama Camellia Society. “Nobody loves Alabama more than Kay Ivey. And nothing says ‘Alabama’ more than camellias.”
A historical marker designating the camellia as Alabama’s State Flower is located on the north side of the State Capitol grounds.
