Once upon a time this Herb Garden wasn’t as comprehensive as it is today. Shanghai Botanical Garden is home to this beautiful Herb Garden. It is located in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. The garden spans 81.86 hectares. Construction began in 1974. Generations of hard work transformed it. Now it is a well-known modern botanical garden. The Herb Garden incorporates plant introduction and domestication. It includes exhibitions, research and public education.
The Shanghai Botanical Garden boasts 22 specialized gardens. Plant Evolution District includes many gardens. Conifer Garden and Magnolia Garden are beautiful. Peony Garden and Camellias and Azaleas Garden are also noteworthy. Rose Garden, Maple Garden, Osmanthus Garden and Bamboo Garden are also part of the Plant Evolution District. The Penjing Garden is popular. The Herbal Garden is right here before us. Orchid House and Exhibition Greenhouse are world renowned. A greening demonstration area completes the picture.
The Camellias Garden is a highlight. It has a 40-year history. It features around 850 individual plants. These represent 377 taxa species or cultivars in the genus Camellia. Related genera in the family Theaceae are also displayed. The nursery cultivates more than 3900 potted camellias. Camellia japonica is there. Camellia sasanqua delights the visitor. Camellia reticulata flowers here. Four Seasons Camellia Hybrids add to the diversity. Cluster-flowering camellias are very special.
The Shanghai Botanical Garden implemented a Cluster-flowering camellia germplasm innovation plan. It utilizes China’s abundant Camellia sect Theopsis species. New Cluster-flowering camellia cultivars were bred. These cultivars have long-lasting seasons. They feature small and exquisite full blooms and red young leaves. Their compact plant shape is appreciated. These camellias add bright colors to the urban landscape in winter and early spring. Cluster-flowering camellias exhibit high resistance to strong light, high temperature and alkaline soil. This makes gardening management easy and maintenance cost low.
The Shanghai Botanical Garden has bred 21 new Cluster-flowering camellia cultivars. Fifteen were authorized by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Five were approved as Excellent Cultivars of Shanghai Forest Trees. One was authorized by the United States Patent Office. Patented technology was developed for propagation of Cluster-flowering camellia cuttings. This improved propagation efficiency and achieved industrial breeding. Cultivating and engineering supporting technology was developed. It is applied in many provinces and cities. Citizens, camellia lovers, researchers and news media widely recognize it.
You can visit the Shanghai Botanical Garden at 1111 Longwu Road, Xuhui District. The garden is open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM. Special areas like the conservatories, Penjing Garden and Chinese Cymbidium Room are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. There is an extra fee for these special areas. Regular tickets cost 15 RMB per person. Including the special areas the price is 40 RMB per person. Discounts are available for children and seniors. So make sure to check it out after this tour.