It turns out that the state flower of Alabama is the camellia, and they grow prolifically on the Gulf Coast.
Back in December, Evan and I checked out the camellia garden at the Mobile Botanical Garden; we were a smidge early to get all the blooms, but there were a satisfying number of lovely blossoms to reward us for our effort.
Fast forward 2 months to Baton Rouge's Botanical Garden, and their camellias are going strong, too!