President's Monthly Message

March 2026  

Dear Members and Friends,

I am pleased to share this Monthly News highlighting upcoming international camellia events. It is always encouraging to see the vitality and collaboration in our global camellia community.

Your thoughts and feedback are welcome. Please feel free to contact me directly at gianmario.motta@unipv.it.

All the best,

Prof. Gianmario Motta President, International Camellia Society
Anke Koschitz Secretary, International Camellia Society

International Sasanqua Symposium – Shanghai December 3–6, 2026

The International Sasanqua Symposium will take place at the Shanghai Botanical Garden, alongside the 2026 Sasanqua Cultivar Exhibition and Pictorial Exhibition of Horticulturist Huang Delin (December 3–13) and the presentation of the second edition of the book “Splendid Sasanquas”.

Optional post-conference trip to Hangzhou: December 7-8

Registration: Online from April 
Fees: Regular RMB 1,200 (ca 150 EUR). Student RMB 800 (ca 100 EUR)
Accommodation: Special conference rates

• SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai South Xuhui

  17 Guilin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

  Conference rate: RMB 420 (ca 52 EUR) per room per night
• Holiday Inn Shanghai Huaxia

  38 Caobao Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

  Conference rate: RMB 500 (ca 62 EUR) per room per night

2027 ICS Congress, January 26-31st 2027  

Registrations will start from May 1, 2026 ICSCongress2027.com.

The 2027 Congress will be special, since it coincides with the 65th Anniversary of the International Camellia Society. In addition, the event will coincide with the ACS National Convention, offering a unique opportunity for shared experiences and expanded networking within the camellia community.

Journeys and Exhibitions. Camellia Journey to Galicia (Spain) - 5–12 March 2026

The Società Italiana della Camelia is organizing an eight-day trip to Galicia on the famous Ruta de la Camelia (Camellia Road) through historic palaces, monumental gardens, and outstanding camellia collections. Participants will also attend the inauguration of the 61st International Camellia Competition of Vigo.

Information: www.cameliaitaliana.it

Seasonal Camellia Shows

Further dates for seasonal camellia shows can be found on the respective websites of the Camellia Gardens of Excellence in your region, for example: https://internationalcamellia.org/en-us/america-gardens-of-excellence

Channel Island Region – Bi-Annual Camellia Show - March 21–22

The Channel Island Region will stage its bi-annual Camellia Show on March 21–22, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, at the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Showground in Trinity.

In February we visited two private gardens, namely Trinity Manor, with camellias dating back to around 1909, and Seafield House, where members enjoyed the camellia collection and the rich history of the property.  Work is also continuing on the camellia collection at Jersey Zoo, many of which were generously donated by ICS Directors during the Jersey Congress.

Re-Evaluation of Gardens of Excellence

• Gianmario Motta, ICS President, will re-evaluate the Camellia Gardens of Excellence, “Jardin des Plantes de Nantes” and “Trevarez”.
• Forrest Latta, Vice President Americas, will visit the Camellia Garden of Excellence, “Camelietum” in Tuscany, Italy, for its re-evaluation.