The Napa Valley Camellia Society is a small garden club interested in camellia culture, identification and propagation. We are associated with the American Camellia Society and the Northern California Camellia Council.We host a yearly camellia show the first week of February.
There are over 250 known species of camellia mainly found in the acid soil of the woodlands in the China. There are three species native to Japan. Around 45 species are in available in cultivation. The more well known Camellia species are C. Japonica, C Reticulatas, and C. Sasanqua. It is estimated that there are over 33,000 cultivated varieties or "cultivars" of varying size, with a range of lovely flower shapes.
Most species produce flowers that are white, pink or red, but a few sub-tropical species such as C. nitidissima, have yellow flowers. Some species have fragrance, such as C. lutchuensis. The most famous member – though often not recognized as a camellia – is certainly the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. The tender new leaves are the source of tea that has been enjoyed for over 2,000 years.
The camellia is exceptional among garden flowers in that most of its cultivars are pure-bred, that is derived only from a single species. But a hybrid, that is a cross between two species are the camellias of the future! Imagine what is possible! Scent, yellow color and cold hardiness are just around the corner! Stay tuned!
Our motto is "Helping people grow and show Camellias".
We serve Napa and Sonoma County in California, but naturally everyone is welcome!!