Exbury is home to the country’s most comprehensive lachenalia collection, and along with an array of beautiful orchids, it will be on display in the Five Arrows Gallery within the gardens 14 – 29 March. The gardens reopen to the public for the season on 7 March.
With their unusually long flowering season, lachenalias boast hues of bright orange, yellow and pinkish-red, and originate from South Africa and Namibia. They are relatives of the hyacinth and there are about 120 species and several hybrids.
The exhibition will also include Exbury’s extensive Cymbidium orchid collection, reflecting the de Rothschild family’s long tradition of championing rare and unusual plants. The gardens’ founder, Lionel de Rothschild, collected a substantial variety of orchids during the 1920s and 30s but the collection was lost after Exbury was requisitioned in WWII and Lionel’s death in 1942. Over recent years it has been rebuilt and goes on display each spring with the leopard lilies.
Outside in the gardens at Exbury visitors can explore Daffodil Meadow which sweeps down to the Beaulieu River in a blanket of naturalised blooms, while the River of Gold creates a ribbon of more than 100,000 yellow and blue bulbs. Magnolias, rhododendrons and other woodland highlights will add to the spring flower power.
March marks peak bloom for Exbury’s exceptional camellias. With more than 600 different types and international recognition as a Camellia Garden of Excellence, Exbury offers one of the country’s finest collections. The original 1930s Camellia Walk is planted with historic Exbury hybrids including ‘Inchmery’ and ‘Charlotte de Rothschild’, while the New Camellia Walk boasts American selections such as ‘Extravaganza’, ‘Kickoff’, ‘Freedom Bell’ and ‘Bob Hope’. Camellias donated by renowned grower Jennifer Trehane provide further early-season colour in the Connoisseur’s Garden.
2026 also marks the 25th anniversary of Exbury’s famous steam railway, the Rhododendron Line. Celebrations will include a special rail-themed weekend in June, offering activities for families and enthusiasts alike.
Head gardener Tom Clarke said: “Spring at Exbury is always a highlight, and the mix of leopard lilies, orchids and early outdoor colour promises a real treat for visitors. Our lachenalia collection is something really special and definitely worth a detour into the Five Arrows Gallery if you are visiting the gardens. It’s a wonderful way to welcome the new season.”
The lachenalia and orchid exhibition is free with gardens admission or membership. www.exbury.co.uk. Exbury Gardens is open daily from 7 March to end of November, 10am–5.30pm.
