1712

Kaempfer, a naturalist, publishes work on earlier visit to Japan in 1690. Mentions Tsubaki (our camellia).

1735

Linnaeus applies name Camellia to Kaempfer's Tsubaki. Name honors George Joseph Kamel (1661-1706), a Jesuit botanist working in the Philippines who had nothing otherwise to do with the camellia. Camellia known in the west up until this time as the Japanese Rose.

1739

Lord Petre in England has apparently first and only living Camellia plant in Europe, a single red. It dies, leaving no camellia imports until 1792.

1792

Sea captain imports Alba Plena to England. First recognized Camellia Japonica since Petres plant. Interest in the Camellia explodes.

1819

Samuel Curtis publishes Monography on the Genius Camellia in England. List 29 varieties including three not yet in bloom.

1820

A plant from Europe is brought to Woodville Mississippi. Later know as 'Woodville Red'

1837

Berlese publishes Monographie du Genre Camellia list several hundred varieties. Later publishes outstanding picture books.

1838

English translation of Berlese work published in Boston. Translator mentions New England grower with over 1000 plants including 300 species and varieties. 

1860s

Civil War and aftermath a set back to camellia interest in South. Camellia featured in a number of conservatory gardens in North.

ca 1905

Camellia conservatory at White House torn down by Theodore Roosevelt to make room for the West Wing.

1920s-30

Camellias are featured in large southern gardens such as Avery Island, and Bellengrath. Camellia/Azalea Societies spring up often as men's clubs.

1945

American Camellia Society founded.

1945-55

Explosion of interest in local Camellia Societies especially "Men's Camellia Societies" such as the Gulfport Men's Camellia Society, predecessor to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Camellia Society.

1950

American Camellia Society Yearbook features Mississippi Gulf Coast in several articles (reprinted in this website).

1970-80s

Men's camellia societies go coed.

2001

Mississippi Gulf Coast Camellia Society celebrates its 50th show.