Historical Ornamental Tree Awards

These Awards have been introduced as an instrument promoting global conservation of such Camellia trees. The Awards stand until the death of the tree or trees. These Awards also cover historic potted specimens including bonsai or penjing. Such trees may or may not be growing in the country where the cultivar originated. 

The ICS Committee for Historic Camellia Conservation welcomes applications for these awards from across the camellia world.

Ancient revered Sanmen Tsubaki to be honoured at Tokyo ICS Congress

One of Japan’s oldest and most revered camellia trees, the Sanmen Tsubaki (the three-sides camellia) of Kumano Shrine, Massaki-cho, Ofunato City, will be recognised as a Significant Historic Ornamental Camellia Tree at the forthcoming ICS Congress in Tokyo in 2025. Written documentation establishes the age of this tree as at least 770 years old, but it is likely to be much older than this (the Buddhist shrine itself was established during the 13th century). In the modern era, this tsubaki with its single red flowers continued to be a symbol of endurance having survived a typhoon in October 2002. The tree has already received recognition both locally and nationally in Japan, and now will be recognised internationally through these ICS historic ornamental camellia tree awards.

The ICS Committee of Historic Camellia Conservation is still receiving applications which can be considered before the end of 2024. Details of applications can be found on here.

The First ICS Award for a Historic Ornamental Camellia Tree

Congratulations to Caerhays Castle Garden UK for an ICS Award for a Historic Ornamental Camellia Tree Collection of eleven specimens including five specimens of Camellia sasanqua (planted between 1899-1902), two specimens of Camellia x vernalis 'Dawn' (planted between 1899-1902), one specimen of Camellia japonica 'Gauntlettii' ('Sodekakushi', planted 1902), and one specimen of Camellia japonica 'Akashigata' (Lady Clare', planted 1906). Significantly, the collection also includes two specimens of Camellia saluenensis (one pale form and one darker form respectively, planted circa 1920), originally sourced from China, and ultimately parent plants for first x williamsii hybridisation.

A Significant Historical Ornamental Tree Award has been given to Germany

A Significant Historical Ornamental Tree Award has been given to Germany’s most iconic and famous ancient camellia tree, dated at over 250 years old, a single red Camellia japonica linked to 18th century importation of camellias into Europe, probably sourced originally from Asia.  Its culture is probably linked to the Seidel horticultural legacy as early as the 1790s.  This award also notes over 200 years of technical conservation efforts by Castle Pillnitz leading up to management of a moveable glasshouse enclosure, complete with viewing platforms.  The ICS Committee for Historic Camellia Conservation welcomes applications for these awards from across the camellia world.