UK TROPICAL GARDEN tour with Curator | February in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

February is a time of gradual transition in the subtropical gardens at Abbotsbury. This gardens unique warm coastal woodland microclimate has protected the exotic plant collection from the worst of winters weather. Tropical and exotic plants often considered tender elsewhere continue to thrive through the most challenging time of the year. The gardens Curator, David Pearce, walks us through the gardens to share some of Februarys plant highlights.
We find David deep in the woodland with one of the countries champion trees, a stunning and rare Magnolia hybrid that is illuminating the impressive canopy with hundreds of large pink blooms. Trekking up the Sino-Himalayan glade we spot a low growing groundcover plant with otherworldly flowers inconspicuously hidden beneath a carpet of silvery-green foliage. Enormous blooming Rhododendrons provide shelter for a much rarer and notably delicate Camellia that has been flowering throughout the winter season. It’s fragile looking flowers exude a heady fragrance enjoyed by anyone that wanders past. The discoveries continue with David sharing a stunning shrub producing clusters of waxy flowers and paper-like peeling copper coloured bark. Unrecognisable as a Rhododendron, this rule-breaker is rarely cultivated successfully in this part of the world. Moving up and out of the damp wooded subtropical valley and toward the dry Mediterranean borders we spot an unusual shrub sporting large clusters of intensely yellow blooms. A special collection of winter blooming Buddleja plants showcases the variety available in an often overlooked genus, provided nectar for any pollinators brave enough to take flight in February. Also thriving on the south facing Mediterranean bank we find a tree Heather, smothered in masses of tiny white blooms. Finally David shares and impressive hybrid palm, surely one of the largest outdoor plants of it’s kind in the country.
🌴 Find out more & visit Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens: abbotsburygardens.co.uk
IN THIS VIDEO:
00:00 Intro to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
00:45 Magnolia 'Hawk'
03:30 Eriobotrya deflexa
06:40 Asarum splendens
10:30 Camellia transnokoensis
13:40 Rhododendron genestierianum
15:35 Roldana petasitis
18:05 Buddleja officinalis
22:15 Buddleja salviifolia
25:00 Erica canaliculata
26:05 X Butiagrus nabonnandii
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[@TigerMa75]

We’ve visited Abbotsbury but this was great to see plants we had missed - easily done with so many magnificent plants to see.

[@mltthorn]

Yes please more of this. Please keep up with the Latin names and families.

[@christinaclark2134]

Very helpful video. It's great to learn lots about each plant. Love seeing the names on screen, too. Thank you!

[@GrowParadise]

You are so welcome! 😀

[@davidhorton6665]

Great video - thanks for sharing.

[@alanabrehart9410]

Hi funnily enough I think I was there at the same time as you! (last Saturday) I certainly saw most of the same plants as you showed. There's always something interesting to see whatever the time of year.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great video Craig and a garden is definitely love to visit one day! I’m sure I remember seeing Eriobotrya deflexa and it’s a stunning plant - maybe not one for my garden but certainly a beauty to admire. That Butiagrus has certainly grown since I last saw pics of it and I’m sure it’ll continue to devolve into a tall and stately tropical palm. Keep up the series, you’re lucky to live so close and David knows his stuff 👍

[@GrowParadise]

Thanks George 😀 Let me know if your ever planning a visit and we can have a walk around the gardens and nerd out together 😂

[@wesleyhackney]

This guy really knows his plants. Very beautiful location thanks for bringing to us

[@tikitropicals65]

Really enjoyed the video. Remember how much the Eriobotrya Deflexa stood out when I visited last summer. Much more interesting plant than I had realised before. Nearly bought one when I got home but didn’t think it would be hardy enough for my location in Peterborough. Sod it im going to buy one anyway.

[@GrowParadise]

We never know unless we try unusual plants in our gardens. Thanks for watching 😀

[@Knapper94]

Ive got Buddleja salviiflora in north west england and has sailed through the winter, retaining most of its leaves so I can confirm its hardiness :)

[@bamboo782]

Great watching thank you Craig and your friend David cheers.

[@GrowParadise]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 😀

[@Tminus89]

I always love tours of magical places like these, especially with a specialist to provide specific info. So thanks a lot! Seeing what is possible in a climate like ours (us Dutchies usually can get away with the same plants) :)

[@matthewjones3924]

Love the mule at the end. I have 2 baby ones so can’t wait to see how they grow

[@alanbrick7333]

Fantastic, thanks gents. More please.

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Mule steals the show for me hands down. I have a butyagrus I'm planting out this May. Hope it looks a fraction as good as this beauty in 15 years time 👍

[@jennifergreene8891]

Thank you for this great video Craig!

[@suemercer4082]

Brilliant video, you must do more, it's my favourite place

[@Temperate2Tropical]

Brilliant video bro! great to learn some new plants for the list!

[@janinewoodbridge3814]

Wonderful watching

[@GrowParadise]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@David_Banner]

I was just looking at buying a Bronze Loquat a couple of days ago. Great timing to see one in this video.

[@GrowParadise]

It was a beautiful tree, I don’t think you’ll regret it. Thanks for watching 😀

[@estherterrier6400]

Very interesting, great video, thanks Craig 😊

[@GrowParadise]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😀

[@wiebestuive824]

Great vid!

[@Tminus89]

13:23 by his right hand, is that a Mahonia?

[@olsonlr]

Is the Chinese ginger good for dry shade?

[@user-vx5sv7rn7s]

Do they have any araucaria?

[@joisseessoij8155]

the plants were nice but they deserve a better introduction.