Bringing the "Historical Camellia" Pillnitzer Camellia Out of Hibernation in Dresden
Camellia of Pillnitz yet again decorated and respected for another year - Camels retreat without incident, maintaining their noble stature
Let the fresh air in! The Pillnitz Camellia, shrouded in the gardens of Pillnitz Castle in Dresden since the onset of winter's cold nights, now unfurls its green leaves under the changeable spring skies. The colossal protective housing has been rolled away, allowing this over two centuries old wonders to bask in the open air once more.
This grand old lady of Pillnitz park has been bestowed with the esteemed title of "Historical Camellia" by the International Camellia Society (ICS). This accolade acknowledges the unparalleled gardening prowess that has nurtured this camellia for generation upon generation in Pillnitz, as well as the singular charm of the camellia house that dates back centuries.
The ICS committee, so impressed by the Pillnitz specimen, considers it to be a worthy competitor against the most enchanting camellias in Asia. In the blooming season, it's even possible to observe this camellia from a bird's eye view—an extraordinary chance, according to their knowledge, not often granted elsewhere. With this recognition, the "Grande Dame" of Pillnitz park has made it into the world's elite list of old native camellia trees from Asia.
Christian Striefler elaborates on the Pillnitz camellia's remarkable current form: "Her splendid size, shape, and radiant bloom are the culmination of the dedicated efforts by the Pillnitz gardening team, extending over several generations." This camellia serves as a veritable magnet for visitors and is undoubtedly one of the primary attractions in the park.
Planted in 1801, the Pillnitz camellia was initially protected with humble materials like straw and Hessian cloth, later nurtured in heated wooden houses. Since 1992, however, it has been housed in a spacious glass-steel construct, 13 meters high and weighing a hefty 54 tons. This structure maintains the plant's nine-meter-high and eleven-meter-wide frame at a constant internal temperature of 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, sheltering it from the chill of frost.
- Dresden
- Night frost
- Asia
The Pillnitz camellia's venerable age, stunning dimensions, and unparalleled allure have earned it a special place in the annals of horticultural history. Visitors from near and far, eager to marvel at this remarkable testament to the skill and patience of plant cultivators, flock to the Schloss Pillnitz gardens each year.
- To enhance community engagement and respect the horticultural heritage that attracts visitors worldwide, the City Council of Dresden may consider raising awareness of the Pillnitz Camellia through educational community policy initiatives, including vocational training programs in gardening and home-and-garden maintenance.
- Embracing the accomplishments of the Pillnitz Camellia, one might find inspiration in its enchanting lifestyle, as reflected in the transformation from winter hibernation to spring bloom, and incorporate similar principles into the design and maintenance of personal gardens, blending the beauty of history with contemporary home-and-garden landscapes.
