In Our Backyard

The Asian Collections at the National Arboretum

By Carmine Carosella, Fairfax Master Gardener
Did you know that Washington, DC has one of the premier shade gardens in the United States? The Asian Collections include thirteen beautiful acres on a southeast-facing hill, overlooking the Anacostia River in northeast Washington, DC. They are far from the main entrance of the Arboretum and do not get the number of visitors they deserve. These spectacular gardens began in the 1940s when National Arboretum staff began planting species native to Asia. Years later, the gardens have matured and include plantings from botanical expeditions to China, Korea and Japan.

The Asian Collections were established to test the garden worthiness of a wide range of Asian species in America. Chris Upton, recent curator of the Asian Collections, describes the gardens as “a germplasm collection masquerading as decorative shade garden.” The National Arboretum is first and foremost a research facility for introducing and developing trees, shrubs and plants for America’s landscapes. But it also can serve the public as a place to explore for landscape ideas and to learn what grows well in the Washington area, as well as a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

One successful area of research at the Arboretum was the development of cold-hardy camellias. It all began in 1948 with imported camellia seed from China. The seed grew into a large shrub with cinnamon-colored bark and white blossoms, not particularly beautiful next to other large-flowered camellias. However, this plant survived the cold winters of the late 1970s when some 900 camellias at the Arboretum died. Arboretum scientist, Dr. William Ackerman, saw the value of the plant and used it as a parent of hybrid cold-hardy camellias he would develop. One can still see that parent camellia, now named Lu Shan Snow, in the Asian Collections at the Arboretum.

The Asian Collections today have grown into magnificent shade gardens. The elevation change of the hillside gives breathtaking views of mature cryptomerias, Japanese maples and other trees, including an especially beautiful, mature weeping katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum). There’s also a near-continuous display of flowering trees, shrubs, interspersed with unusual ground covers. Pathways wind down to the Anacostia River where there is a gate and dock welcoming boaters. Future plans include a bridge across the Anacostia, which will connect the Arboretum to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

The specimens in the Asian Collections are nearly all labeled, allowing visitors to study and learn what to plant and how to integrate these plants into an overall landscape design. If you want to improve your own shade garden, then come here and take notes. The Asian Collections are truly one of Washington DC’s hidden treasures. When you visit the Arboretum, make sure to stop and see them.

Resources
National Arboretum – USDA
Growing Camellias in Cold Climates by William L. Ackerman