The Camellia Society of The Potomac Valley was founded in January 1955 as an organization devoted to the culture of camellias. CSPV is affiliated with the American Camellia Society and is its northern-most chapter on the Eastern Seaboard.
Our goals are to:
- Stimulate interest in camellia growing in the greater Washington, DC area (including its Virginia and Maryland suburbs);
- Learn and report the best methods for growing camellias in this area, with particular emphasis on cold-hardy varieties; and
- Assist beginners and answer general questions concerning camellia culture.
The annual CSPV show and plant sale is typically held on a weekend in late March or early April when spring blooms are at their peak. (In 2024, the show will take place at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland on March 23.) The sale is open to the public and the plants (normally 1 to 3 gallons) are specially selected for cold-hardiness and proven success in our Mid-Atlantic climate.
CSPV meets on the second Sunday of the month in November and March at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. or at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia. These meetings are devoted to general discussion about camellia culture as well as special presentations on camellia history, varieties and care. CSPV also offers occasional hands-on workshops demonstrating how to propagate camellias by air-layering and other methods.
Annual membership dues in the Society are $10.00 per person, due January 1st. They can be paid in person at a CSPV meeting or mailed to CSPV c/o Kathleen Graham, P.O. Box 327, Mt Vernon, Virginia 22121.
In addition to participating in our meetings, members are eligible for discounted prices for camellias at the annual spring plant sale.