The Camellia Collection

Magnolia has one of the best collections of Camellias in the country.  Perhaps no other American garden has such a profound relationship with Camellias, as Magnolia has been at the forefront of Camellia cultivation, research, and now, restoration for nearly two centuries.  In the 1820s, John Grimké Drayton planted the first Camellia japonica plants at Magnolia, likely gifts from French botanist Andre Micheaux, who had a nursery directly across the Ashley River.  Like the azalea, the Camellia is an Asian plant that settled perfectly into the Southern climate with its short, relatively warm winters and long growing season.  It’s possible that the plant became noticed by planters as its better-known relative, Camellia sinensis – or the Tea plant -- became a fixture in American life. 

Camellia japonica doesn’t produce tea, but each Winter, hundreds of ornate flowers bloom in every shape, size, and shade imaginable, and these ornamental characteristics have made it one of the most beloved plants in the South.  The elegant evergreen tree is much revered in Oriental cultures, and Magnolia has shown a similar devotion to the genus.  By the late 1970s, nearly 900 varieties were planted at Magnolia – almost 150 of these were newly created at the nursery of Magnolia Gardens.  One of the most famous Magnolia introductions is a beautiful pink peony flower originally named the Sarah C. Hastie, after the wife of Magnolia’s owner in the 1920s.  Today the plant is called by the catchy name of Debutante and is one of the most popular camellias grown in the world. 

Magnolia is currently working with local and national Camellia organizations on a major restoration and mapping project in an effort to identify, preserve, and restore the ancient collection.  Miles Beach, an expert grower and leader in the Camellia community, is spearheading the project, and he leads Camellia Walks for visitors to Magnolia on weekends during the blooming season, Fall through Spring.  This year, Magnolia will host the 2007 Camellia Symposium on the weekend of January 26th.  Please call (843) 571-1266 for more details.