The Fascinating History of the Camellia House at Planting Fields Arboretum

Tucked away on the north shore of Long Island lies the historic Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park. This 400-acre oasis is home to lush gardens rolling lawns and architectural wonders that transport visitors back to the early 20th century Gold Coast Era. One of the crown jewels of Planting Fields is the stately Camellia House, a greenhouse specially designed to showcase a world-class collection of camellia plants.

The Camellia House has a long and fascinating history that sheds light on the arboretum’s origins and the visionary patrons who helped create this horticultural paradise. When William and Matilda Coe established their country estate in the 1910s the original Camellia House was a modest structure intended as an “enclosed garden” to protect their prized camellias. The Coes were captivated by the elegant winter blooms of camellias and wanted to showcase the flowers during the colder months.

After the estate was purchased by John and Mollie Phipps in 1913, they brought in the eminent Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm to reimagine the grounds. The Phipps wished to transform the Camellia House into a grand conservatory suitable for entertaining high society guests among lush greenery and vibrant blooms. Architect James Dawson crafted ambitious proposals for an expanded Camellia House, complete with ornamental pools, classical statuary, and exotic tropical plants.

While many of these lavish designs were never fully executed, the Camellia House gradually expanded over the years to accommodate the burgeoning camellia collection. By 1922, the greenhouse had tripled in size with the addition of an east and west wing connected to the original north-south section. The collection continued to grow under the stewardship of successive estate owners like the Mackays and Guggenheims. Today the Camellia House contains over 80 varieties and 400 specimens, some over 75 years old.

Now owned by the State of New York, the Camellia House continues to be a popular visitor attraction during the winter months when its flowerbeds are carpeted with elegant, colorful blossoms. The greenhouse provides the ideal warm, humid environment for camellias which originate from warm climates like China and Japan. During the arboretum’s annual Camellia Festival in February, visitors can admire winter-blooming varieties like the dainty white Sparkling Burgundy and vivid red flowers of Kawanakajima.

While the ostentatious conservatory concepts imagined by James Dawson never materialized, strolling through the Camellia House still evokes the old-world glamour of the Gold Coast Era. The collections and architecture provide a window into the hobbies and lifestyles of the landed gentry who shaped Planting Fields. Beyond preserving rare botanical specimens, structures like the Camellia House reflect the artistic ambitions and boundless creativity of those who dreamed of building private Edens on Long Island’s North Shore.