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In Bloom: The Huntington Hosts Camellia Show & Sale V-day Weekend

By Adrienne Dorsey/Special to LAist
Buying pretty flowers and taking a romantic stroll is par for the course on Valentine’s weekend, and this weekend is no exception at The Huntington gardens. Hundreds of red, pink, and white camellia blooms will compete for top honors at The Huntington’s 39th annual Camellia Show, co-sponsored by the Southern California Camellia Society. A wide selection of camellia plants will also be available for purchase if the mood strikes.
Native to China and Japan, over 60 varieties of camellias carpet the grounds of The Huntington. Right now they are at the height of their blooming season, and visitors can explore acres of blooming camellias located in the North Vista, Japanese Garden canyon, and Chinese Garden areas of the 220-acre estate. What’s believed to be the oldest surviving camellia on record in Southern California, from 1888, is also located between the Library and North Vista fountain.
Hours for the event are 1-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12 (following the morning judging), and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13. Admission to the show and sale areas is free, with regular weekend adult admission $20, $10 for students, and children under five are free.
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