Winterthur has a small collection of fall-flowering camellias in bloom along the north side of the Cottage. It has been a special treat watching the new plants establish and produce their delicate, wax-like flowers. Right now several of the plants are in flower, including:
The pink-tinged Camellia ‘Mason Farm,’
Camellia ‘Survivor’ with its rosy buds,
Camellia ‘Snow Flurry,’
and our original plants of Camellia sasanqua × Camellia oleifera.
Many gardeners think of camellias as southern plants, but there are selections and hybrids that will survive and perform well in our climate. Perhaps the most famous popularizer of these cold hardy camellias is Dr. William L. Ackerman. His selections of tea oil camellia hybrids (tea oil camellia is Camellia oleifera) have re-defined hardiness in this wonderful group of plants. For information about Dr. Ackerman’s selections and growing hardy camellias visit the American Camellia Society website.
My thanks to Linda for taking the photos that appear above.
The pink-tinged Camellia ‘Mason Farm’ was developed not far from where i live. I’ve been to Mason Farm many times in the past 15 years, the camellia was planted there over 30 years ago in a group of 1000 seedlings.
Randy,
Thank you. I love to know the stories behind plants and yours reminds me how much effort it takes to develop something new and exciting. Thanks for the details,
Chris Strand