The Camellia Collection

Camellias have long been cherished in Australia. Early settlers introduced them to New South Wales during the first years of European colonisation. The Macarthur family, well-known horticultural pioneers, bred new camellia varieties that are still found in gardens across the country today.

In WA, camellias likely arrived with pioneering families who brought garden and productive plants with them. These would have included camellias, often planted around early homes and farms. By 1936, Perth’s Newman Nursery became the first to commercially propagate and sell a wide range of camellias, thanks to Charles A. Newman. Several of the varieties he developed are still thriving at Araluen Botanic Park today.

The camellia collection grew significantly in the 1990s and early 2000s, with many new additions originating from California, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and other parts of Australia. Many proved well-suited to Araluen’s Mediterranean climate.

A number of locally bred camellias were introduced by WA breeders such as:

• Charles A. Newman
• Roy Campbell
• Keith Abbott
• D. J. Blythe
• W. Hebiton

Several of their cultivars are now included in the International Camellia Register. The collection also features true wild species, unknown seedlings, and unregistered varieties.

Roy Campbell made a significant contribution, donating and planting numerous camellias — especially around Hydrangea Hill. Donated plants from private gardens are identifiable by their larger size and mature floral displays. These are acknowledged in a camellia database available on the Araluen website.

Located in the Darling Range, Araluen’s upper bushland features gravelly clay soils from lateritic caprock. In the lower garden areas near Stinton Creek, alluvial acidic soils support optimal camellia growth.

Surrounding native trees — including marri (Corymbia calophylla), jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), and WA blackbutt (Eucalyptus patens) — provide gentle dappled light. This combination of sunlight and shelter helps protect camellias from heat and wind, while enhancing their growth.

While Perth’s climate is typically hot, dry, and windy in summer, Araluen enjoys a unique microclimate. The surrounding hills delay sunrise and hasten sunset, moderating temperatures. The valley remains several degrees cooler in winter and more humid in summer, creating a haven for camellias and other sensitive plants.

April to June: Camellia sasanqua cultivars bloom, coinciding beautifully with the Park’s autumn foliage.

May to September: Camellia japonica cultivars take centre stage.

August to October: Late-flowering C. reticulata and C. x williamsii bloom alongside the Tulip Festival, magnolias, azaleas, and other spring displays.

These flowering periods ensure camellias remain a highlight throughout the cooler seasons and a key attraction during major Park events.