Jinhua International Camellia Species Garden

Jinhua International Camellia Species Garden

The Jinhua International Camellia Species Garden was built on March 6, 1999, with strong support from the Jinhua Municipal Government and various levels of leadership. The foundation was laid in person by Ms. Pat Macdonald, the former president of the International Camellia Society, and the project was implemented by the Jinhua Forestry Bureau. Over the course of three years, it was developed into the world’s first park-style specialized garden focused on collecting, preserving, cultivating, domesticating, breeding, and utilizing original species of the Camellia genus, with a total investment of over ten million yuan. Located in the suburbs of Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province — an area designated as the “Hometown of Camellias in China” — the garden spans nearly 10 hectares. To date, it has collected as many as 202 camellia species, encompassing 4 subgenera and 17 sections within the Camellia genus, accounting for 80% of all named species. All species were sourced from their native habitats, ensuring their authenticity. The collection at the garden continues to be further refined. The species are planted according to Professor Zhang Hongda’s classification system of the Camellia genus, effectively making the garden a living textbook on Camellia taxonomy. In addition, the garden features companion tree species of varying sizes and unique large-flowered camellia cultivars, along with meandering paths, lush green lawns, elegant pavilions, and murmuring streams. These elements combine to create a truly immersive experience, establishing this site as a genuine conservation ground for Camellia germplasm resources. The garden is committed to cultivating and introducing new camellia varieties, as well as preserving traditional ones, and currently houses over 1,000 different camellia cultivars. These varieties showcase an array of unique flower colors, including fiery red, snow white, and blush pink, as well as black, purple, and yellow series. Flower sizes range from giant to miniature, while bloom forms include peony-shaped, formal double, serrated, and anemone-centered types. Flowering periods vary from early, mid-season, to late blooming. There are also special series featuring fragrant, cold-resistant, foliage-focused, hedge-type, and dwarf camellia varieties.

Source: Jinhua Government Website