Specimen Beds
The Specimen Beds contain parts of two of the four National Collections at Wakehurst Place; the hypericums and the skimmias.
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Specimen Beds
In July and August the hypericums dominate the Specimen Beds and range through the greatest numbers of yellows it is possible to imagine; from the delicate primrose of Hypericum bellum to the strong glossy vibrancy of Hypericum 'Hidcote'.
There are some 350 species of hypericums in the world's alpine, temperate and subtropical regions. They can grow like trees as with East Africa's Hypericum revolutum or as tiny annuals.
Wakehurst Place's National Collection of hypericums also shows off lesser-known but demonstrably garden-worthy specimens, many visitors find it worth taking a notebook and pencil for future purchases.
The skimmias at Wakehurst Place are more widespread; some here, others throughout the ornamental gardens and more in the Winter Garden. In the wild, skimmias are of four well-defined species all originating in Asia. It was research in the Herbarium at Kew that finally unravelled the relationships between them after nearly a century of confusion.
Skimmia enthusiasts will respond to Skimmia x confusa, the only genuine hybrid in the family; because all of its three known cultivars are grown at Wakehurst Place.
Find out more about Wakehurst's National Plant Collections
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Fact Box
Iris sibirica
Siberian iris
The striking Siberian iris was first brought into cultivation in the Middle Ages, and is still widely grown in temperate regions.
2 comments on 'Specimen Beds'
Digital Media Team says
07/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse
Thanks for your comment Msindo. Unfortunately the image that appears at the top of this page doesn't allow us to do that kind of thing. But we love your idea of an interactive 'Specimen Bed!' A great idea to bank for the future...
Msindo Koff says
06/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse
Dear Web Designer, Can plant names "pop-up" when one does a "mouse-over" on a picture of the Specimen Beds, for example. I am both intrigued and frustrated by the comment that of the 350 species of Hypericums, some are as tall as trees while others are tiny but I am offered no link to observe the phenomenon.