Caerhays Castle & Gardens has been awarded the inaugural International Camellia Society Award for a Historic Ornamental Camellia Tree Collection
Congratulations to Caerhays Castle & Gardens which has been awarded the International Camellia Society (ICS) Award for its Historic Ornamental Camellia Tree Collection – the first award of its kind.
These awards have been introduced as an instrument to raise awareness and promote the global conservation of Camellia trees of historic significance. The award will be officially conferred at the 2025 ICS Congress in Tokyo.
Caerhays has been officially recognised for 11 specimens of camellia plants that grow on the castle walls, all planted between 1897 and 1904. Particular highlights include Camellia sasanqua (planted between 1899-1902), two specimens of Camellia x vernalis ‘Dawn’ (planted between 1899-1902), one specimen of Camellia japonica’.
Charles Williams, Owner of the Caerhays Estate, says “A reimagination of British gardens took place at the start of the last century, and Caerhays played a huge role in proving what could be successfully grown here. We’re delighted that the historic significance of our 11 varieties of camellia have been recognised and celebrated by the International Camellia Society. The fact that Caerhays is the first ever recipient of such an award also feels very fitting, due to our pioneering nature as a garden”.
Camellia sasanqua No. 3
Between February and May 2025 Caerhays Castle & Gardens is running its acclaimed Lecture series, the first of which is very fittingly an RHS Camellia Lecture on 28th February. This informative lecture will focus on the history of the x williamsii Camellias, and tickets include refreshments and a tour of the garden given by Charles Williams.
Charles Williams continues “Our lectures are perfect for people with a thirst for knowledge, who want to learn about the historical significance of these plants, and how they have been propagated and hybridised over the years at a great estate like Caerhays. I’m especially proud of the x williamsii Camellias and look forward to sharing more at the Camellia Lecture on 28th February.”
The International Camellia Society (ICS) is an international non-profit society, with almost 2,000 members globally that promotes the knowledge, cultivation and the development of Camellias worldwide.
Camellia sasanqua No. 4
Caerhays Castle & Gardens is steeped in history, and it was under the pioneering leadership of J.C. Williams (1879-1939) that Caerhays came into its own as a premier British garden. 100-125 years on, much of the original plant material sent to Caerhays by the great plant explorers still thrives in the garden. At the time of its arrival these exotic seeds were unknown species in Western Europe, and their introduction transformed the expectation of what could be grown in British gardens.
Caerhays Estate is renowned for its award-winning springtime floral displays, historic castle and picture postcard setting on Porthluney Beach. Its 140 acres of stunning woodland gardens boast a National Collection of Magnolias – one of only four in the country – a breathtaking array of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and a vast collection of champion trees. Caerhays offers the delightful Magnolia Tea Rooms, a beautiful Estate Gift Shop and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens. For visitors interested in the historic plant hunter expeditions, a new Exhibition is included in garden ticket prices.
Camellia sasanqua No. 5