麻豆社

This stop highlights two C. japonica varieties of historical significance planted along the trail by Ms. Jewel, Alba plena and Betty Sheffield Supreme. Alba plena was one of the very first camellia’s to be established outside of Asia. It was imported to England in 1792 from Southeast Asia, where camellias originate. It was also among the first camellia varieties to come to the US, arriving here in 1800. The blooms of Alba plena are white with many petals. It can look quite like a rose and is credited as being one of the reasons why C. japonicas are known as the Roses of Winter.  

The C. japonica variety Betty Sheffield Supreme is one of at least 20 varieties that originated directly or indirectly from sports of the variety Betty Sheffield.  Remember sports are blooms on one part of the plant that look different than the others.  If cultivated, a sport can become a new variety. The original Betty Sheffield variety was discovered from a seedling that Mrs. Betty Sheffield of Quitman, GA grew. With Valdosta being a neighbor to Quitman, we are particularly proud of her legacy.  

Valdosta has its own famous camellia breeder, Mr. Hulyn Smith, who lived here from 1958 until his death in 2011. Hulyn developed and registered 35 camellia varieties in his lifetime. The Sara Oliver Camellia Garden, which is directly across Patterson Street from 麻豆社’s West Hall, is dedicated to Hulyn and his wife.