One of my very favorite parts of Camellia season is Waxing Camellias. I attended a Waxing Demonstration in the late 1990’s at Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia, and from that moment on, I was hooked! Over the years, I have waxed thousands of blooms for nearly every occasion imaginable, and it remains one of my most enjoyable crafts.
Waxing is an age-old practice of temporarily preserving Camellia blossoms using hot paraffin wax. You can use your waxed camellias to decorate for a party, wedding, or just for fun! The blooms last much longer than plain-cut blooms because they seal in the moisture, keeping them fresh longer. The blooms, when waxed, almost look like glass or porcelain, and they are simply beautiful.
I hope you will try it and love it as much as we do!
Waxed Camellias
Supplies
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Five (5) 1-lb boxes paraffin wax (Gulf Wax)
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One (1) pint mineral oil
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Double boiler or electric wok
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Candy thermometer with a metal base (not glass)
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Wooden or plastic spoon
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Deep pan of ice water
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Moss, straw, or a towel for draining
Instructions
Begin by preparing your workspace. Lay out a bed of straw or moss where the finished flowers can drain. I prefer using a large basket, as it allows good airflow and keeps the flowers from flattening.
Paraffin wax is extremely flammable, so never melt wax over an open flame. Use either a double boiler or an electric wok. A dedicated, non-food wok with a temperature dial works especially well. I do not use my waxing wok for cooking.
If using a double boiler, choose one that is both wide and deep. The pot must be deep enough to fully submerge the flower without allowing it to touch the sides or bottom. Using a candy thermometer, melt the wax to 138°F.
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Temperatures below 138°F will cause the wax to glob.
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Temperatures above 140°F can scorch the flower and pose a serious burn risk.
Once the wax has melted, add the mineral oil and stir well. The mineral oil softens the wax, helping to prevent cracking as the flower dries. Monitor the temperature closely and adjust as needed throughout the process.
Select camellias that are fresh, light-colored, dry (no moisture or mist), and free of insects. Cut at least a 2-inch stem, which will be used to hold the flower while waxing. If the stamens contain heavy, powdery pollen, gently remove some with a small makeup brush to prevent discoloration of the wax.
To wax the flower, hold it by the stem and gently pull back any leaves so they do not enter the wax. Wax discolors foliage, and the goal is to preserve a natural appearance. Submerge the camellia fully into the wax using a slanted entry, rather than dipping it face-first. Do not leave the flower in the wax—dip and remove immediately.
Allow excess wax to drip for a second or two, then gently lower the flower into the ice water using the same slanted motion. This helps the petals retain their natural shape. Plunging the flower straight in or too quickly can cause petals to stick together or flatten. After a few seconds, remove the flower and allow excess water to drip off.
Place the waxed camellia on a towel or on a bed of moss or straw to drain. Waxed camellias typically remain fresh-looking anywhere from one day to three weeks before naturally browning. While the color will eventually fade, the waxed form itself can be preserved indefinitely and may be spray-painted with metallic gold or silver if desired.
Debbie Odom
Blackcreek Nursery & Garden
51 GA Hwy 119 N
Ellabell, GA 31308
912-388-0216
Open Wednesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
By appointment on other days
