Camellia Collection

The RBG Melbourne aim to demonstrate the diversity of species within the genus Camellia and provide reference material for research.

Recognized as a Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society, the Gardens' wide collection is one of Australia’s finest.

Camellias have cultural, ornamental, economic,  medicinal uses and great horticultural potential For example Camellia sinensis is harvested for tea production through out the world and Camellia oleifera is used for oil production used in cooking and cosmetics.

• Key plants
• Curator notes
• History

Key plants

Camellia nitidissima

Shrub 2-3 m tall, flowers golden yellow, massive fruit 5 cm in diameter.

Camellia reticulata

Large shrubs with open form and big showy flowers.

Camellia sinensis var. sinensis

Medium sized shrub for semi-shade, upside down shy white flowers.

Camellia tsaii

Elegant arching form with dainty white flowers.

Camellia grijsii

Upright form to 3 m, relatively drought hardy, pretty white flower.

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Curator notes

1. Mulch to conserve water and keep root system cool.
2. In full sun, red flowered cultivars such as Camellia 'Freedom Bell' will cope better than other colors.
3. Camellia sinensis is harvested for tea production.
   

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History

• 1883 - William Guilfoyle first planted camellias in the Camellia Bed. This early collection was greatly enhanced under the directorship of Alex Jessep.
  
• 2005 - the addition of the Bob Withers collection has increased the diversity of the existing collection.
  

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