20 
Camellias from Magnolia Gardens 
Nearly a hundred years ago specimens of Azalea indica and Camellia 
japonica were brought to the estate of Magnolia Gardens on the Ashley. 
Under the supervision of the owner, Rev. John Drayton, a most enthusiastic 
gardener, the gardens on this great estate were laid out. The plantings are 
indeed spectacular, arranged as they are against a background of great old 
trees. Many of the plants are grown near the water and make beautiful 
reflections. We are proud to list here some of the outstanding varieties from 
Magnolia Gardens. 
Alba Superba. From Magnolia Gardens came this large, semi-double white form with 
showy stamens in the center of the flowers. This fine Camellia is a free bloomer while 
young. Vigorous and spreading in its growth, it has large, deep green, glossy foliage. 
Own-root plants, $1.00 to $10.00. 
Catherine Cathcart. Double pink blossoms marbled with white, measuring 31% to 4 
inches across, and noted for their symmetrical form. Rounded, light green foliage which 
is heavily ribbed. Slow, slender growth; late flowering, 
Grafted plants, $7.50 to $15.00. Own-root plants, $1.00 to $7.00. 
C. M. Hovey. A full, double, dark red flower, marbled and speckled with snow-white. 
It measures 4 to 5 inches in diameter and the petals are unusually large. Long, dull 
green foliage. Slow, bushy growth. 
Grafted plants, $5.00 to $30.00 each. Own-root plants, $1.00 to $5.00. 
C. N. Hastie. Dark red, peony-like flowers, measuring 4 to 5 inches across, distinguish this 
outstanding variety from Magnolia Gardens. Round, glossy dark green foliage. Tall, 
symmetrical growth. A limited supply of grafted plants, $15.00. 
Daybreak (No. 7). A fluffy peony-type flower of medium size and soft pink coloring. 
Dull green foliage. Bushy growth; late flowering. Own-root plants only, $1.00 to $7.00. 
Debutante (Sara C. Hastie). This beautiful light pink peony-like Camellia measures 
31% to 4 inches in diameter. Light green foliage. Slow growth; early flowering. A limited 
supply of stock. Grafted plants, $7.50 to $30.00. Own-root plants, $1.00 to $7.00. 
Derbyana. A double red of rosebud form when first open; when fully expanded the golden 
stamens show among the inner petals of this 4 to 4%-inch flower. Dark green, glossy 
foliage. Bushy growth; midseason flowering. Own root-plants only, $1.00 to $7.00. 
Duchess of Sutherland. We consider none finer than this semi-double, white, 6-inch 
bloom of exquisite form which occasionally has a pink stripe on one petal. Long, glossy, 
medium green foliage. Spreading growth; midseason flowering. Supply limited to a 
few grafted plants at $15.00. Plants from 2'%-in. pots, $1.00; 6 to 8-in. sizes, $2.00. 
Gigantea (Magnolia King). An enormous, semi-double deep red flower, marbled with 
white. Immense, dark green foliage. Tall, slow growth; late flowering. 
Grafted plants, $10.00 to $25.00. Own-root plants, $1.00 to $3.50. 
His Majesty (No. 156). An immense loose peony-like flower of deep rosy red. Large, 
dull green foliage. Vigorous, tall growth; midseason bloomer. 
Own-root plants only, $1.00 to $20.00. 
Magnolia No. 25. We do not know the name of this unusually large cup-shaped peony-like 
flower of deepest red. It has short stamens in the center and measures 51% to 6 inches in 
diameter. Rounded, deep dull green foliage. Slow, symmetrical growth; late flowering. 
There is a possibility that this is Lady Mary Cromartie. 
A limited supply of grafted plants from $15.00 to $25.00. 
Marchioness of Exeter. The deep pink peony-like flowers measure 4 to 5 inches across. 
Long, glossy deep green foliage. Wide-spreading growth; midseason flowering. 
Plants from 214-in. pots only, $1.00. 
Marchioness of Salisbury. Deep red, peony-form flowers marbled with pure white. The 
coloring and formation of this 3 to 4-inch bloom is truly exquisite. Long, dull green, 
twisted foliage. Slow growth. One of the finest. Grafted plants, $7.50 to $20.00. 
Margaret Higdon. Here is a rare and choice Camellia of superior quality. Loose peony- 
like, brilliant rose-red in color, each petal of the 4 to 5-inch flower is margined with white. 
Medium green, glossy foliage. Symmetrical growth. 
A limited supply of grafted plants, $15.00 to $30.00. 
GERBING’S AZALEA GARDENS 
