Middlemist Red Camellia – A Symbol of Elegance Among Rare Flowers
One of the world’s most enchanting rare flowers exists in the Middlemist Red Camellia species (Camellia japonica ‘Middlemist’s Red’). Only two specimens survive in existence thus making this flower one of the most scarce flowering plants recognized on the planet. It’s not just rare—it’s legendary.
A Brief History of the Middlemist Red
A unique plant history started in 1804 once English botanist John Middlemist imported this flower to England from China. European high society members considered camellias to be the fashionable ornamental plants during that era. When Middlemist presented a specimen to Kew Gardens it disappeared from China together with all other plants but two survived cultivation.
Today, the only two known Middlemist Red Camellias exist in:
Chiswick House and Gardens in London, UK
A private garden in New Zealand
That’s it. No others are known to exist.
What Makes It So Special?
💮 Exclusivity: With only two confirmed specimens globally, it tops the list of rare flowers.
🎨 Beauty: Its deep rose-pink petals resemble luxurious peonies.
🕰️ Historic Significance: It has survived over two centuries of botanical change.
🌱 Botanical Rarity: It has never been found again in the wild since the early 1800s.
Its rareness is not just due to its numbers—it’s also the mystery surrounding how it survived while disappearing entirely from its native homeland.
Where Can You See It?
The most accessible Middlemist Red plant is housed inside the conservatory at Chiswick House in West London. Each spring, flower lovers gather to witness its blooming—a rare and emotional moment for many.
As for the second specimen in New Zealand, it’s located in a private garden in the city of Cambridge, and access is limited.
A Flower Worth Protecting
Beyond being an uncommon plant the Middlemist Red serves as a tribute to essential human values of precious life combined with preservation efforts. The feature of this flower illustrates that uncommon blossoms once considered extinct can exhibit remarkable survival abilities. The efforts of both botanists and conservationists aim to propagate the Middlemist Red through proper cultivation thus protecting its historic beauty for future generations.
Final Thoughts
The species of plants world currently holds the Middlemist Red Camellia as its tiniest surviving flower collection. The rich history paired with its vibrant appearance makes the Middlemist Red Camellia an exceptional tale of live plant heritage. Observing the Middlemist Red Camellia in flower grants you entry to an uncommon segment of botanical evolution.
