The Middlemist’s red, scientifically identified as an unspecified camellia, is known as the rarest flower on earth, with it believed to be only two specimens of this species to exist. Below, you will find out more about this beautiful flower.
Origins
The Middlemist’s red belongs to the camellia genus and was imported from China as a luxury item in 1804, but was wiped from its native country. The credit for bringing the flower to Chiswick, West London, goes to a nurseryman from Shepherd’s Bush named John Middlemist, who the flower was named after.
Currently, the flower is found in only two locations: a garden in New Zealand, (Treaty House) and a greenhouse in the UK (Chiswick House & Gardens). It has flowered for more than two centuries.
Health Benefits
The Middlemist’s Red has a long list of health benefits. An important one is that it has antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial to diseases such as various types of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
The flower of this plant is a natural skin moisturizer because of the rich amount of oleic acid it contains, and the collagen boosting properties may have anti aging effects.
The oil can also be beneficial to hair by strengthening hair strands, and it is also believed to have medicinal benefits.
Building on these benefits, incorporating Middlemist’s Red into a daily wellness routine can be particularly valuable for seniors. Its natural moisturizing and collagen-boosting properties help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which tend to decline with age. Additionally, the antioxidant and strengthening effects support overall health and vitality, contributing to the senior skin care routine.
Environment
The Middlemist’s Red blooms better in an environment that provides light to partial shade. They do well under the shade of tall trees. However, it was demised after being transported from China to England even after being in its local habitat, so the only answer that would make sense is that it was over cultivated. That is why it is no longer in the wild and is now being captivated.
Is it possible to grow The Middlemist’s Red?
Yes. These flowers can be successfully grown by taking a cutting (if one was available) and placing it in water. It usually takes 1-2 months for the rooting to occur. When there’s a substantial root mass, it is to be taken out and placed in the ground, when the outdoor conditions are favorable with no threat of frost.
Though highly unlikely, there is a very small chance that you could have a middlemist’s red growing in your garden, yet not zero, as John Middlemist sold the flower to the general public.
Conclusion
This flower’s beauty is certainly something to adore, but for now, we can only hope that The Middlemist’s Red will repopulate the world. Perhaps the locations the flowers are at will sell cuttings to the public, but we never know. What do you think of this stunning flower?
Frequently Asked Questions About Middlemist’s Red
What is Middlemist’s Red camellia?
Middlemist’s red camellia is a rare red camellia flower that belongs to the camellia family and is widely believed to be the rarest flower on earth. It was brought from China to England in 1804 by John Middlemist. Over time, the flower disappeared from its native land, making Middlemist’s Red incredibly rare today.
Why is Middlemist’s Red Camellia so Rare?
Many people ask, why is Middlemist’s Red camellia so rare, and the answer lies in its history. The plant became extinct in the wild after being transported from China, likely due to over-cultivation. Today, the Middlemist red camellia survives only in protected environments, which is why it is considered one of the rarest red flowers in the world.
How many Middlemist Red Camellia are Left?
It is believed that there are only two Middlemist red camellia plants left in existence. One can be found in a greenhouse at Chiswick House & Gardens in the UK and the other grows at Treaty House in New Zealand. These two locations are the only known places where the Middlemist’s red camellia still blooms.
Is Middlemist’s Red the World’s Rarest Flower?
The Middlemist’s Red is often described as the world’s rarest flower because of how few specimens remain. While there are other rare red flowers, very few can compare to the extreme rarity and historical significance of the Middlemist red flower.
What does the Middlemist Red Camellia Flower look like?
The Middlemist red camellia flower has deep red petals arranged in a full, rose-like shape. At first glance, it may resemble other red camellia flowers. But what makes it special is its rarity rather than its appearance. The flower has continued to bloom for over 200 years under careful preservation.
What is the meaning of Middlemist Red Camellia?
The Middlemist red camellia meaning is often associated with rarity, beauty, and survival. Because the flower has endured for centuries despite nearly disappearing, it symbolizes resilience and uniqueness among camellia flowers.
Are Middlemist’s Red Camellias difficult to Grow?
Many wonder, are Middlemist’s red camellias difficult to grow, and the answer is not exactly. In theory, a Middlemist camellia could be grown from a cutting like other camellias. However, because the plant is so rare and unavailable to the public, growing a Middlemist red camellia is extremely unlikely for most people.
If you’re interested in learning more about general flower care and soil, see our guide on how to grow organic flowers.
Can you buy a Middlemist Red Camellia Flower?
There is no confirmed Middlemist red camellia price, as the flower is not sold commercially. Due to its rarity and protected status, the Middlemist’s red camellia flower is preserved in gardens rather than made available for purchase.
What is the Rarest Camellia Color?
Among camellias, red is considered one of the rarest colors, especially when referring to the Middlemist red camellia. While other camellia colors are widely cultivated, the Middlemist red flowers stand apart because of their extreme scarcity.
Is Middlemist’s Red related to Other Camellia Flowers?
Yes, the Middlemist flower belongs to the camellia family and is related to other camellia plants. However, unlike common varieties, the Middlemist camellia has a unique history and is known more for its rarity than widespread cultivation.
