Charleston, SC

Middleton Place

This is the time of year when camellias take center stage at Middleton Place. Each winter, visitors can enjoy a virtual fireworks display when 10,000 resident camellias perform in the formal gardens. The camellias at are special because they are some of the oldest in America, first planted on Henry Middleton’s parterre in the late 18th century. Visitors can learn more about the contributions of the Europeans and enslaved Africans and African Americans to on a guided garden walk or self-guided tour. Here’s the schedule of events: Camellia Walks at 11:00 am Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays in February Special walking tours given by expert guides focus on the historic camellias, including the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of the first planted in America. Tours will last approximately 75 minutes.  Camellia Walks are $13 per person in addition to General Admission and advanced purchase is required at middletonplace.org/events.   Proceeds from the Camellia Walks will help preserve and sustain the historic camellias at National Historic Landmark.    Cocktails and Camellias at Saturday, February 11  | 3:00-6:00pm Join special host Sidney Frazier, Vice President of Horticulture and “King of Camellias” for the most beautiful Cocktail Party in Charleston in America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens.   This is a unique opportunity to celebrate America’s most important collection of ancient camellias as they perform across the formal Gardens at Middleton Place. The evening includes specialty cocktails inspired by the camellias, wine, live music and small plates exclusively created for this event by Restaurant Executive Chef Chris Lukic.   This is a 21 and over event. Tickets are $95/person and are available at Middletonplace.org/events.   Annual Camellia Workshop Saturday, February 4 | 1:00-3:00 pm Sidney Frazier will lead this lively workshop, covering several aspects of the camellia plant, from its origins in Asia and its various forms to care and maintenance. Expect expert advice in planting, water, pruning, fertilizing, propagating, and disease identification and eradication. Sidney Frazier, Master Gardener & VP of Horticulture, has dedicated over 47 years to overseeing the care of the oldest landscaped gardens in America at Middleton Place.