The majority of the camellias, however, were planted in the early 1960's and 70's. The camellia trees provide a show each winter to delight winter-weary visitors. Some camellias bloom as early as October and November, but the main show begins around mid-December. The camellias reach their height of glorious bloom in mid to late February, making the house a perfect place to visit for Valentine s Day. The show continues through March until mid-April.
Camellias are natives of Southeast Asia, primarily southern China and Japan.
One species, Camellia sinensis, is the source of commercial tea. Young leaves are crushed, partially fermented, and then dried. Tea was first introduced to Europe in the early part of the 17th century. Look for this economically important plant in the northwest bed, on your left shortly after you enter the side doors closest to Ridgway Visitor Center. Camellias first traveled to Europe on spice ships from Asia in the mid eighteenth century, in the hopes of establishing tea farms locally.