CAMELLIAS were the centre of attention in Toowoomba, at the annual show celebrating the beautiful bloom.  

Organiser of the Toowoomba Camellia Show and Garden Expo said record crowds came through on Saturday in what they expected to be their most successful show.  

About $10,000 to $15,000 was also raised for Toowoomba Hospice during the two-day event.   

Organiser Mark Munro, from the hospice, said they had been overwhelmed with support.   

"Isn't it nice to be able to just come out and enjoy and spend money at something so beautiful like this," Mr Munro said.  

"Knowing at the end of the day the money goes back to support the clients who are dying, and we can offer that wonderful service - palliative care."  

Fellow organiser Mike Wells said the camellias on display were of exceptional quality.   

"They can be single flowers with only a few petals, right through to beautiful double flowers," he said.   

"They are probably one of the classic flowers of this world."  

Mr Wells said Toowoomba had the perfect climate for camellias, making it the perfect location to host the show.   

"The cool winters, the warm summers and our lovely volcanic soil just grows the best camellias in Australia," he said.   

There were almost 40 exhibitors at the show and a range of speakers, including Gardening Australia's Jerry Coleby-Williams.