In September 2023, Frieda Delvaux and Jean-Paul Van Parys, supported by Eduarda Paz, embarked on the mission of collecting Belgian camellia cultivars’ cuttings from Portuguese gardens.
Their goal is to complete the Belgian camellia collection at the Arboretum Provinciaal Domein Het Leen (Belgium). The Arboretum is a prestigious and Belgian’s sole International Camellia Society (ICS) Garden of Excellence, which already features a remarkable collection of over 1250 Camellia specimens.
In the nineteenth century, Belgium was a horticultural leading country. Belgian renowned botanists and publications contributed to disseminating knowledge across Europe. Meanwhile Belgian exhibitions were showcases for the country’s horticulturists.
Camellia japonica ‘Mathotiana’, originated by Mathot in Ghent (Belgium) in 1847.
Until 1886, Belgian nursery professionals and amateurs had introduced nearly 450 new camellia cultivars.
Unfortunately, over a third of these cultivars are believed to be extinct, with no information available about them since their development.
Nevertheless, many other Belgian camellia cultivars were traded throughout Europe.
In 1886, the Real Estabelecimento Hortícola of José Marques Loureiro in Porto, which proudly claimed to be the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, offered 56 Belgian camellia cultivars for sale.
Many historic Portuguese gardens still preserve their original camellia collections. This fact sparked the interest of Frieda, ICS Director for the Benelux.
In 2018 Frieda took over the task from her predecessor, Marc De Coninck. She focused her attention on the many Belgian camellias exported to Portugal, which are still missing from their collection. So, the chances of finding more than one cultivar in each trip are quite high, which she considers a success.
Before leaving home, Frieda prepares a list of missing camellias based on Marc’s list and Het Leen camellia inventory. She also researches gardens or nurseries for Belgian camellia cultivars.
Jean-Paul is the primarily responsible for Het Leen Botanical Garden. To this project he provides his technical expertise for the successful replication. He knows how to successfully cut, transport, and promote the rooting of cuttings in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.
Currently, they have 67 different historic Belgian camellia cuttings growing, of which 47 are from abroad or have no available mother plant. Some cuttings come from Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, although most are from Italy and Portugal.
“While discovering the missing camellias is rewarding, the greatest satisfaction comes from watching the cuttings grow.”
Frieda Delvaux
Santar Vila Jardim
Eduarda Paz, ICS Director for Portugal, supported Frieda and Jean-Paul on this trip.
They knew some Portuguese gardens had identified Belgian camellia cultivars. After contacting the owners and arranging all the details, they organized an intensive four-day visit.
Frieda and Jean-Paul repatriated cuttings from 13 different cultivars. They include some from the Centre region, such as Santar Vila Jardim and Quintal do Forno.
Quintal do Forno
“When I entered into the Quintal do Forno, I was surprised to see so many old Camellia trees in such good condition. It was also impressive to hear about the time spent examining the historical documents related to the camellias.”
Frieda Delvaux
The successful trip to Portugal of Frieda Delvaux and Jean-Paul Van Parys highlights the importance of international collaboration in preserving historic camellia cultivars and therefore camellia history.
Completing the Belgian camellia collection not only showcases the legacy of Belgian horticulture, but also ensures that these historic and rare cultivars are preserved and in full display to inspire and engage future generations.
Camellia japonica ‘Vicomte de Nieuport’ is the Belgian historic camellia cultivar from Quintal do Forno which has contributed to Het Leen’s Arboretum.
“Sharing and exchange of plant material is one of the aims of historic camellia conservation.”
Eduarda Paz
