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The Mixed Borders

Providing one of the most iconic views of Wisley, these impressive mixed borders are among Britain’s finest

Looking its best in....

  • Spring Clematis cultivars
  • Summer Phlox, Helenium, Salvia, Nepeta
  • Autumn Dahlias, sedums, salvias, asters, monkshoods, grasses

Wisley’s famous double Mixed Borders run either side of the Broadwalk, on the slope leading up to Battleston Hill. They are a 128m- (420ft-) long horticultural wonder, bringing bold colour and texture from late spring to autumn, but reaching a peak in July and August. 

The season begins

Tall perennials can be badly affected by rain and wind, so to ensure glorious displays we build supporting structures, such as obelisks and frames, from locally-sourced birch stems and wire. These supports are put in place early in the season, and it isn’t long before they are hidden from view by clematis such as Clematis ‘Jackmanii’, C. ‘Bill MacKenzie’, C. ‘Alba Luxurians’ and C. × bonstedtii.

At the same time, you can see the permanent shrubs and trees being cut back, such as Paulownia tomentosa (foxglove tree), Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ (golden Indian bean tree), Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ (red-barked dogwood), Cornus alba ‘Aurea’ (golden Tartarean dogwood), Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ (ninebark),  P. opulifolius  ‘Dart's Gold’ and selected cultivars of Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush).

The jewel in the summer crown

In summer, these borders are one of the jewels in Wisley’s crown. In their full glory from July, the plants mingle effortlessly to produce an intriguing display of colour and form, height and structure.

At the cooler, pastel-inspired end thrive perennials such as Phlox paniculata ‘Eva Cullum’, Leucanthemella serotina (autumn ox-eye), Cynara cardunculus (globe artichoke), Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’ (Culver's root), Monarda ‘Violet Queen’ (bergamot) and Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ (catmint).

In the hotter section, you’ll find Geranium psilostemon (Armenian cranesbill), Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ (sneezeweed), Ligularia ‘Britt Marie Crawford’ (leopard plant), Lythrum salicaria ‘Feuerkerze’ (purple loosestrife) and Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’ (red bistort).

Tender perennials are in abundance, especially Salvia ‘Phyllis' Fancy’ (sage), S. elegans ‘Honey Melon’ and S. discolor, along with dahlias including Dahlia ‘Knockout’, D.‘Twyning's After Eight’ and D. ‘Blyton Royal Velvet’.

Against these the foliage of Helichrysum petiolare (liquorice plant), H. petiolare ‘Limelight’ (everlasting flower) and Plectranthus argentatus (silver spurflower) are very useful foils. Numerous Nemesia (aloha) and Verbena (vervain) cultivars always make an appearance, blending everything together.

Autumn delights

The Mixed Borders continue to draw people in, as the flowers keep coming and seed heads appear. Dahlias, sedums, and salvias bloom abundantly, joined by asters and monkshoods, as well as the grasses with their combination of feathery delicacy and grand stature. 

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.