Botanical Garden of Porto - Natural History and Science Museum of University of Porto

The formal gardens enclosed with clipped Camellia japonica cultivars

Garden Overview

In 1949 the Portuguese Government bought Quinta do Campo Alegre from the Andresen family and later, in 1951, the Botanical Garden was founded as part of the University of Porto.

Covering an area of 4 hectares, the Botanical Garden is a green area of reference in Porto. It has been shaped along different periods and its historical value is revealed both by the conservation of a wide plant collection and the 19th and 20^th century layouts. The Garden today shows a variety of spaces and habitats, such as, the bosquets, the formal gardens, cactus garden and arboretum. Recently, the Garden has been subject of transformations enhancing biodiversity promotion and a closer relationship with public. The Garden hosts a collection of around 1300 species, organized into groups, such as camellias, native plants, cacti and succulents, rhododendrons and conifers.

Garden walks bordered by clipped hedges of Camellia japonica cultivars

Our Camellias

Many features of the original Quinta do Campo Alegre can still be found today. One remarkable feature are the clipped hedges of Camellia japonica cultivars, most of them of late 19th century. The imposing camellia hedges spread along over 500 meters, including 616 plants over three metres high, that are admired by specialists and the public. These hedges enclose the formal garden creating a sense of surprise, privacy, and comfort.

The Botanical Garden is associated to an emblematic Camellia japonica cultivar –'Dona Jane Andresen' - a sport of Camellia japonica 'Doutor Balthazar de Mello', which was selected by Alfredo Moreira da Silva, in 1896, and named in honour of the late owner of the Quinta do Campo Alegre.

The Botanical Garden camellia collection includes 753 camellia plants, 266 cultivars and 26 species. Most camellias grown outdoor are C. japonica and C. sasanqua. However, the Garden is starting to increase its collection by cultivating in the greenhouse: C. sinensis, C. azalea, C. semisserrata, C. hongkongensis and C. yunnanensis.

Camellia japonica 'Dona Jane Andresen'

Contact Details

Professor Paulo Farinha Marques

Botanical Garden of Porto
Rua do Campo Alegre, 1191 4150-181 Porto, Portugal
Tel: +351220408700
Email: jardimbotanico@mhnc.up.pt
Websites: https://mhnc.up.pt/