The RHS and National Plant Collections
The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens (NCCPG) was established in 1978 with the aim of encouraging and overseeing the establishment of well-documented and researched collections of garden plants. In the main, each is devoted to a single genus, but a few have a broader remit. Taxonomic research is encouraged, as is the placing of voucher specimens in the Herbarium at Wisley. Documentation kept for the Collections includes descriptions, photographs, cultivation information, details of the origin and history of each plant. Duplicate collections help ensure the security of the Collections.
Currently, there are more than 650 registered National Plant Collections. Further information on the NCCPG and its National Collections scheme can be found on the NCCPG website. An issue of Curtis's Botanical Magazine was devoted to the NCCPG and its achievements over its first 20 years (Curtis's Botanical Magazine 15(2): 85-156, May 1998)
National Plant Collections in the RHS gardens
Between them, the RHS gardens at Wisley, Rosemoor, Hyde Hall and Harlow Carr hold 12 National Plant Collections, under the auspices of the NCCPG. Wisley currently maintains collections of Crocus, Epimedium, Galanthus, heathers and rhubarb. At Rosemoor are collections of Cornus and Ilex, while Hyde Hall holds the collection of Viburnum. Harlow Carr maintains collections of rhubarb, Polypodium and Dryopteris and Fuchsia section Quelusia. Each has an appointed custodian.
- Cornus National Plant Collection
- Crocus National Plant Collection
- Epimedium National Plant Collection
- Galanthus National Plant Collection
- Heathers National Plant Collection
- Ilex (hollies) National Plant Collection
- Rhubarb National Plant Collection
- Viburnum National Plant Collection
Visit the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens (NCCPG) website
Search the NCCPG National Collection database to find which Collections exist
Further reading
This is just one topic covered by the Society's monthly journal for members, The Garden, and an article of interest is listed below.
Miller, D.M., J. Ardle & S. Higgens (1997, November). In safe hands. The Garden (RHS) 122(11): 772-777. A profile of the RHS National Collections