Spring is a very special time at Westonbirt – when the opening of blossom and new leaves soften the sharp outlines of bare winter trees.
As February turns to March we see the first flowering of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
Throughout the arboretum the magnolias begin to flower including the splendid Magnolia campbellii (some of the tallest specimens in the country). Early flowering cherries begin to bloom, among them Prunus sargentii.
By mid-April flowering is in full swing with a display from Rhododendron Williamsianum with its unusual heart shaped leaves and a mass of pink bell-shaped flowers.
In Silk Wood, spring brings a spectacular blooming of wildflowers including celandines, wood anemones and primroses. The arboretum’s semi-natural, ancient woodland area is an impressive sight during the spring and the freshness of the new foliage of our native trees won't fail to lift your spirits.
In late April to early May the glades are flooded with a sea of bluebells, and in Maple Loop, the new leaves of the Japanese maples open in a surprising array of bright colours.
Some spring favourites...
Camellias and rhododendrons
Camellias and rhododendrons are concentrated in the acid soils of Savill Glade, along Circular and Main Drive and in the Sand Earth area of Silk Wood. Both groups thrive in the shelter of the taller specimen trees and form a magnificent floral greeting on entering the Old Arboretum.
Although at their best in April and May, the camellias begin flowering in February when their exotic red, white or pink rose-like blooms and glossy evergreen leaves look unreal under the bare trees.
Magnolias
Magnolias are more tolerant of neutral soils and have a wider distribution throughout the arboretum. All the spring flowering species are deciduous, their flowers appearing before the new leaves as if to prevent any distractions.
The white flowering Magnolia cambellii in Savill Glade can be seen from the entrance road and is a sight not to be missed. It is normally at its best in March, whilst the pink flowering, and largest of its type in the UK, Goddess magnolia, Magnolia sprengeri 'Diva' is normally at its best around early April. At nearly 80 feet tall and when covered in a 1000 blooms, the size of dinner plates, it is a real show stopper!
Cherries
Cherries also put in a good appearance in spring and there is none better than the Mt Fuji cherry, Prunus 'Shirotae' with its large pure white blossoms covering its branches in late April to early May. Another UK Champion found at Westonbirt is Sargent's Cherry, Prunus sargentii, with large pink flowers which are normally at their best during April.
Handkerchief Tree, Ghost Tree or Dove Tree, Davidia involucrata
This tree is famous for the shape of its large white bracts either side of the flower which look like large white handkerchiefs hanging on a branch. It was brought into the country by Ernest Wilson in 1904 from central China. Did you know that the tree can only be pollinated by moths?
Maples
Although Westonbirt is renowned for the autumn colour of the maples we should not forget just how beautiful the spring leaf colour and flowers can be.
Although small in size these flowers are well worth looking for during the spring months. One of the most attractive is the hornbeam leafed maple, Acer carpinifolium. The male and female flowers of this particular maple appear on different trees. Unfortunately for our male trees we have no females here at Westonbirt, but we continue to look for a mate for them.
