19th Century
Source Country: Spain (Galicia)
by Stephen Utick
A traditional welcome befitting entry to a Ducal Pazo
Within a few decades after its arrival in Britain in the early 1820s, the brilliant rose red Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’ was acquired by the aristocratic collectors of Europe. A most magnificent specimen, possibly planted around 1850 and now over 150 years old, can be admired in the gardens of Pazo de Oca at A Estrada near Pontevedra in Galicia. This towering horticultural treasure, over twelve metres tall spreads its branches above the chapel roof from a geometric garden, laden with flower in early spring. The property itself was once a military fortress, until acquired by Felipe II in 1575, then subsequently acquired by the aristocratic Maria de Neyra. The Pazo was over the centuries inherited by female descendants, and the owner in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century has been the Duchess of Medinaceli. The gardens have continued to develop, with an orchard, topiary garden, maze, ponds, fountains and an acqueduct among the many features. Pazo de Oca provides a glimpse of the glory of nineteenth century camellia plantings, including giant specimens of Camellia japonica ‘Pompone’, these featuring with many red and pink sports. Pazo de Oca is one of twelve historic camellia parks and gardens featured as part of Galicia’s Ruta da Camelia (the Camellia Route).
Giant camellias planted in the mid-nineteenth century, behind the chapel.
Towering giant of Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’, over twelve metres tall, in full bloom, over 150 years old
Camellia japonica ‘Pompone’ as seen from behind the courtyard fountain
Sources: Notes and photography taken by Stephen Utick, Post-Congress Tour, ICS Congress Pontevedra, 2014. See also Short H, 2014, ‘Post Congress ’, International Camellia Journal, No. 46, pp. 21-22; Sociedad Española de Camelia, Pazo de Oca and Xunta De Galicia, Galicia Pazo de Oca (Camelia Galicia) brochure, 2014.
