The Majestic Camellia House at Planting Fields Arboretum

One of the crown jewels at the historic Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, New York is the regal Camellia House greenhouse. This soaring glass structure houses an unparalleled collection of camellias and provides a magical setting for the annual Camellia Festival each winter.

History of the Camellia House

The Camellia House was constructed in 1917 for William and Mai Coe, the former owners of Planting Fields The Coes had become enchanted by camellias after purchasing their first plants from an English nursery in Guernsey in 1917. To properly showcase their burgeoning collection, they engaged prominent New York architect Guy Lowell to design an elegant greenhouse modeled after Joseph Paxton’s famous Chatsworth Great Stove in England

The original wood and glass Camellia House was built by noted greenhouse designers Lord & Burnham. In 1922, the structure was expanded with the addition of the east and west wings under the guidance of the Olmsted Brothers, the influential landscape architects who helped shape the grounds at Planting Fields.

Over the years, the Camellia House has been carefully restored to maintain its historic grandeur. The most recent renovations in 2015 repaired the masonry and stucco. The Camellia House now stands as one of the last remaining private greenhouse “conservatories” from the extravagant Gold Coast Era of the early 20th century.

Spectacular Camellia Collection

Today, the Camellia House contains over 200 camellias, with many rare and unusual specimens. The collection includes antiques dating back to the early 20th century along with modern cultivars. The flowers bloom in late winter and early spring, typically from January through March. When in peak bloom, the Camellia House contains thousands of brilliant blossoms in colors ranging from pure white to vibrant pink. The roomy greenhouse allows the camellias to grow to their full mature size, with some specimens reaching up to 20 feet tall.

Some of the most beloved camellias in the collection include:

• ‘Mikenjaku’ – a crimson bloom with dramatic white speckles and streaks. One of the original camellias from the 1920s.

• ‘Mathotiana Supreme’ – a shell pink flower that fades to appleblossom white at the petal edges. Has a deluxe ruffled form.

• ‘Tom Knudsen’ – a bright red camellia that glows like a beacon in the greenhouse. Medium semi-double flowers.

• ‘Black Magic’ – a deep brownish-red camellia with a golden boss of stamens. Medium flowers with loose petals.

• ‘Francie L’ – a very large soft pink bloom edged in white that fades to solid white. A stately flower.

The Spectacle of the Camellia Festival

Each winter, the Planting Fields Camellia House takes center stage during the annual Camellia Festival. This popular two-day event is a sight to behold, with music and activities set amid thousands of spectacular blooms. Visitors can tour the Camellia House, enjoy light snacks, watch art demonstrations, participate in workshops, and take home camellia-themed gifts from vendors. The Camellia Festival typically takes place in late February when most varieties are at their peak.

During the festival, the Camellia House truly lives up to its full potential as a winter garden wonderland. The sheer volume of color and perfume transports visitors to another world. It’s easy to imagine you’ve been whisked away to a fragrant floral paradise in the depths of winter. If you live in the Northeast, the Camellia Festival is the perfect cure for cabin fever!

Growing Camellias at Home

Part of the allure of the Camellia House is the notion that we could grow these aristocratic flowers in our own backyards. With proper care, many camellia varieties can thrive outdoors year-round in climates similar to Long Island, New York. Here are some tips for cultivating camellias in the landscape:

• Choose an area with dappled sunlight or light afternoon shade. Morning sun is tolerated.

• Provide rich, acidic, well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Shelter plants from wind.

• Water regularly to maintain evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. Mulch around the plants.

• Feed in early spring and summer with camellia fertilizer or azalea food.

• Prune selectively after flowering to shape and remove dead wood. Avoid major shearing.

• Protect plants from harsh winter winds and cold with a breathable burlap screen.

With the right location and care, many exquisite camellia varieties can prosper outside the Camellia House in home gardens. For dazzling winter flowers in colder climates, camellias are lovely greenhouse specimens too.

The Allure of the Planting Fields Camellia House

The Camellia House at Planting Fields provides a rare opportunity to experience hundreds of camellias at their peak grandeur in one location. The greenhouse itself is a priceless historic relic, as sumptuous as the flowers it contains. During the annual Camellia Festival, this floral exhibition comes alive in all its glory. If you live nearby or are visiting Long Island, be sure to attend this spectacular event. Just mind the throngs of flower fanciers angling for photos – the Camellia House is immensely photogenic!