Bonsai House

At the northern end of the Order Beds - furthest from the Victoria Gate Centre - this completely refurbished small glasshouse has a wonderful collection of bonsai trees.

Bonsai originated in China, but were taken up in Japan more than a thousand years ago. The Japanese refined and developed Bonsai techniques and evolved the art form it is today. 'Bonsai' means 'tree in shallow pot' and Bonsai masters aim to emphasise the character of the species, bringing out the specific features that, in normal growth, give it charm and grace.

Examples from Kew's 50-strong bonsai collection are shown only a few at a time, so they can be appreciated individually; but the display is constantly changing. The collection, which includes some of the finest bonsai trees in the country was kindly donated to Kew two years ago by Ruth Stafford-Jones, one of the most respected growers in Britain. It includes conifers, maples, a Japanese white pine, a rhododendron, beech and an oak tree. The smallest is a Cotoneaster horizontalis, just 10 cm high, and the tallest is a Chinese quince standing around 60 cm high.

Continue the tour

Back up to: North Eastern Zone

Carry on to: Order Beds & Rose Pergola