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The Rock Garden

The naturalistic Rock Garden is one of Wisley’s oldest, and most magnificent, features

Looking its best in...

  • Spring Iris reticulata, Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ blossom, Chionodoxa, Erythronium, bright young Acer foliage
  • Summer Wisteria floribunda ‘Multijuga’, Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag), Asian candelabra primulas, ferns
  • Autumn Vibrant Acer foliage
  • Winter Dwarf conifers including a historic cloud-pruned Japanese larch

A piece of Wisley history

The Rock Garden, constructed between 1910 and 1912, showcases a wide range of alpines and plants that flourish in alpine conditions, alongside small weeping trees and dwarf conifers for year-round interest. The cloud-pruned Japanese larch is probably Wisley’s oldest plant.

A mammoth project

Only a few years after Wisley was given to the Society, the first major project – the creation of the Rock Garden – began.

This huge engineering project was built by James Pulham and Son, specialists in large-scale rock gardens, to designs by landscape architect Edward White. The huge Sussex sandstone blocks were positioned in the same orientation as before they were quarried, creating a natural appearance.

The steep slope faces north and suits many plants that prefer a cool, shady spot, while sun-loving plants enjoy the more exposed outcrops. The north-facing aspect is cold and damp in winter with low light levels and many of the alpines need sharp drainage and skilful management to survive.
 

Follow the streams

Follow the numerous small paths down and around the rocky outcroppings and little pools linked by streams and cascades; the dramatic waterfall and its Japanese-style landscape were added in 2004 to designs by Professor Masao Fukuhara.

The water eventually flows into the Long Ponds at the bottom, where, in season, the rustic bridge is draped with the graceful lilac-blue and purple tassels of Wisteria floribunda ‘Multijuga’. Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag) and Asian candelabra primulas thrive in the moist soil nearby.

Some of the Rock Garden’s original features still exist, including a grotto where ferns flourish, such as Matteuccia struthiopteris (ostrich fern) and Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern).

A treasure trove of choice plants

The Rock Garden is home to a number of special collections including Lewisia hybrids, Hepatica, Sempervivum (houseleek), Crocus, Cyclamen, Saxifraga and Pleione.

It is particularly magical in spring, thanks to Iris reticulata in various shades, early-flowering Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ (cherry), pockets of Chionodoxa (glory of the snow) and the dainty pixie hats of Erythronium (dog's tooth violet). 
 

NEW Cushion House

Cushion House is now open and filled with more than 300 perfectly-proportioned gems to admire. Located at the top of Rock Garden, the new glasshouse replaces one built in the 1980's. It is named for housing primarily cushion alpines, which grow in tight mat or mound forming clumps, including Gypsophila aretioides and Dionysia, which are planted directly into tufa rock. 

Other plants such as succulents, including Aloe polyphylla AGM, are on display and although all the plants need protection from excessive winter rain, they can survive cold temperatures, which is why the greenhouse isn't heated. 

Take a close look at some of the old dwarf conifers on the rock garden – we have carried out some creative pruning in recent years to show off the bark and branch formations, so they do not look out of place in the miniature world of the rock garden. Conifers can sometimes outgrow a space and being brave with a pair of secateurs can give it a whole new lease of life. 

RHS Garden Wisley Horticulturist

Take a close look at some of the old dwarf conifers on the rock garden – we have carried out some creative pruning in recent years to show off the bark and branch formations, so they do not look out of place in the miniature world of the rock garden. Conifers can sometimes outgrow a space and being brave with a pair of secateurs can give it a whole new lease of life. 

RHS Garden Wisley Horticulturist

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