What’s looking good at RHS Wisley?

Reaching their peak in March, more than 200,000 crocus smother the Conifer Lawn in fabulous shades of purple and white. Planted in large swirls that you can walk between, a spectacular mix of Crocus ‘Flower Record’, C. ‘Pickwick’ and C. ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ sweep around the majestic conifers, some of which are nearly 120 years old – the effect is magical! There are more crocus to discover brightening the slope behind the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden.

Thousands of delightful hoop petticoat daffodils, Narcissus bulbocodium, transform the grassy slopes of the Alpine Meadow into a sea of sulphur yellow. Although this is a dwarf species, its central trumpet is rather large, giving the daffodil its distinct hoop petticoat appearance. Native to the meadows and rocky hillsides of southern France, Portugal and Spain, these bulbs have been steadily naturalising in the Alpine Meadow for many years now. Later in March, Narcissus cyclamineus comes into bloom with its long narrow trumpet and elegantly swept back petals, reminiscent of a cyclamen flower.

Battleston Hill is a feast for the senses in March, as flowering shrubs release their scent in the hope of attracting early pollinators. Camellias are at their best with myriad cultivars to see. Shining above them, magnolias begin to flower on warm spring days. The large cup-like white flowers of Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Brozzonii’ draw you towards them, while M. campbellii (Raffillii Group) ‘Sue Biggs’ is a beacon of pink. Bright spring bulbs including snowdrops, cyclamen, daffodils and erythroniums light up the ground.

Spring may be in the air but our winter flowers just keep on blooming. Head to the Winter Walk to delight in pools of colour and scent from dwarf iris, snowdrops, hellebores, daphnes, witch hazels and sweet box (Sarcococca confusa), alongside tactile foliage, fluffy catkins and radiant winter stems. Don’t miss the quirky flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ – there are more than 100 planted here – with their honey-scented, golden tubular blooms held like pom-poms on the end of bare stems.

Discover a chocolate box of the most exquisite alpine gems in our Alpine Display House. The display is refreshed every day, so there is always something special to see, including Lachenalia (cape cowslip), daffodils, crocus and hepaticas in early spring. Breeding in Japan has created a rainbow of colours of Hepatica nobilis var. japonica, from purples and pinks to reds and yellows, with single, double and bicoloured forms. Their dainty size makes them perfect for an alpine house, offering the chance to see them up close.

Uplifting displays of thousands of Cyclamineus Group daffodils bring a golden glow to the Pinetum this month. Narcissus ‘February Gold’ and ‘Jetfire’ are two of the earliest to flower. Planted in large drifts, they create an enchanting carpet of cheerful nodding flowers sure to lift the spirits. In Oakwood, there are plantings of old daffodils, including Narcissus ‘Rip van Winkle’: an heirloom double, with whorls of slightly twisted petals, dating from before 1884.

Alive with flowers and foliage, now is a great time to see the Heather Landscape, home to our National Plant Collection of more than 1,000 different heathers. Drawing inspiration from Surrey’s heathland, the heathers are planted in ribbons to contrast the different forms and colours in this diverse plant group. Look out for Calluna vulgaris ‘Cassa’, a fabulous low-growing heather with brightly coloured spring foliage, and architectural Erica x veitchii (tree heather) covered in white flowers – it’s a haven for early pollinators on the wing.

Home to RHS Wisley’s collection of over 3,000 orchids, some as tall as 2.5m. Bespoke planting conditions have been created for these fascinating plants including faux rock walls and artificial branches, creating a cloud-forest feel that will transport you to far-off lands. Alongside well-loved favourites such as Cymbidiums, highlights include our largest orchid – a Coelogyne tomentosa, and a Vanda tricolor var. suavis. You can also see the rare Cynorkis uncinata ‘Rose of Madagascar’ and a Laelia gouldiana, which is now tragically extinct in the wild.

Download the RHS Garden Wisley app and use as your personal tour guide. Look out for walks throughout the year, including Topiary, Wisteria and Cherry Blossom.