One of Australia's most precious camellia collections.
Camelilia Japonica Bokuhan syn. C. japonica ‘Bokuhan’
Widely regarded as a national treasure, the camellia collection at Eryldene is one of the most historically important in Australia. It includes specimens associated with the early history of the settlement of NSW – several which are attributed to William Macarthur, and one possibly from Alexander McLeay’s garden in Elizabeth Bay. There are also rare camellias given to the Professor by his international camellia friends, and many which were hybridized and raised from seed by the Professor himself.
Many of the collection are no longer commercially available. Some early camellias often had small blooms which are considered today as insignificant therefore not in demand. To some extent, taste and fashion have dictated the breeding of today’s large, lush and beautiful blooms.
There are “plus or minus” 500 camellias in the garden, many of them growing in tubs of varying sizes. This allows for specific needs of water, fertilizer and light to be met and tubs can be relocated when necessary. The ever increasing size of the many trees (and their roots) in the garden does not often allow for easy in-ground planting
After Professor Waterhouse retired from his university position in 1945, he set about studying and collecting camellias and their history. The Professor was a pioneer in camellia research, and he sought out long forgotten cultivars and planted them for posterity. An interesting example of an early ‘collecting foray’ is C. japonica Aspasia Macarthur which is planted against the rear wall of the house near the south eastern corner. This was found in 1916 in a garden on the Central Coast, bought by the Professor for 10 shillings and moved to Eryldene. Already a mature specimen at that stage, it is now the oldest camellia in the garden.
In the garden you will find many Camellia sasanqua and Camellia japonica and a few Camellia higo – the camellia of the Japanese samurai. There are also a number of Williamsii hybrids – many developed and named by the Professor himself.
The azalea collection at Eryldene is also important – largely because there are many examples of azaleas which are no longer commercially available. Azaleas do well at Eryldene because their requirements are similar to those of camellias and their floral display follows the blooming of the camellias keeping colour in the garden for a longer period.
Oriental water bowl with freshly picked flowers from the Eryldene garden.
A SIGNIFICANT COLLECTION
In August 2020 Eryldene received one of only 4 inaugural awards from the The International Camellia Society Committee for Conservation of Historic Camellias - for Ancient and Historic Trees:
Significant Historic Ornamental Tree Collection of a remnant of 8 specimens at Eryldene, Gordon NSW Australia, developed and planted by Founding ICS President Professor E, G. Waterhouse (NO. AU0002-0006-C-20200304).
The following historical significance was noted: This collection includes original specimens of Camellia japonica ‘Janet Waterhouse’ (1952), Camellia japonica ‘Robin’ (1952), Camellia x williamsii ‘Lady Gowrie’ (1952), Camellia x williamsii ‘Margaret Waterhouse’ (1955), Camellia x williamsii ‘Charles Colbert’ (1959), one potted specimen of Camellia x williamsii ‘Lady’s Maid’ (1962), and two specimens of Camellia sasanqua ‘Mignonne’ (1979); Horticultural collection representing the pioneering horticultural work of an ICS Founder (and Founding President); Horticultural collection also linked to the revival of camellia interest in Australia during the mid 20th century; and Contribution to mid 20th century NSW garden heritage.
Adopt a Camellia Program
Eryldene’s camellias are significant from a number of perspectives, but perhaps most notably because of the unique and personal nature of the collection, a testament to Professor Waterhouse’s eclectic approach to its development.
In his retirement from his role as Professor of German at Sydney University in 1945, the Professor had the time to wholeheartedly indulge his love of, and interest in, camellias. He committed himself to re-discovering long-forgotten specimens and including them in his garden for posterity, and eventually became famous for his hybrid varieties, which he named for family and friends. It is this personal touch that has endeared his collection to camellia lovers in Sydney and beyond.
When you adopt your camellia, your contribution goes towards the cost of ongoing care of your special blooms, including the services of a gardener skilled in historical gardens, and fertiliser and water costs.
On adoption, you will receive a certificate that includes your name and the name and catalogue number of your camellia, plus a map indicating where it is located so you can easily find it when you visit.