Flowers of the month - May

Matteuccia struthiopteris

A magnificent fern especially in the early spring. It is often called the Ostrich Fern or Suttlecock Fern. In the wild it has a wide distribution from Europe, E Asia and Temperate N America.

Meconopsis grandis

One of the most beautiful plants for a moist woodland garden. They start to flower towards the end of May and continue through to the begining of June.

Trillium kurabayashii

The first trillium to flower in the garden, usually towards the end of March. It is not the most dramatic in flower but valuable for flowering so early and has interesting mottled foliage. It was named after Masataka Kurabayashi, a Japanese cytologist. Native of W.USA.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

(Lady's Slipper Orchid)

The flowering of this American orchid is one of the highlights of the year

JOVELLANA VIOLACEA

A charming, semi-evergreen (evergreen in a mild winter) shrub. From Chile, it has erect branches and neat and tidy foliage. During summer it produces panicles of lavander flowers. Closely related to Calceolaria, they bear a marked resemblance to those flowers but are two-lipped and distinctly bell-shaped. Needs a warm, sheltered, sunny spot. Our specimen is grown on a south facing in the Upper Walled Garden.

Trillium luteum

A robust N American species which has long lasting sessile flowers and large attractive mottled leaves.

Paeonia delavayi

A suckering shrub that flowers in May. The large deeply cut leaves are striking and architectural and compliment the intense rich red flowers.

Wikstroemia indica

A rare shrub related to Daphne. The small bright yellow flowers appear for many months of the year. It is native of China. Photo taken 18.10.06

Trillium grandiflorum

The garden contains an extensive collection of trilliums in Bishop Rudd's Walk

Magnolia obovata

A beautiful late flowering magnolia which has one of the strongest fragrances of any plant in the garden. The large leaves are held in whorls at the ends of the shoots. Introduced from Japan in about 1800. The tree is situated at the entrance of the garden.

Camassia leichtlinii 'Semiplena'

(Quamash)

A stunning North American bulbous perennial which was once an important food source for native Americans.