Window on Westonbirt Arboretum

What's looking good

Our Window on Westonbirt Volunteers have explored the arboretum this week to inform our visitors of the following not to be missed seasonal highlights.

Use Arboretum Explorer to help you discover more tree locations around the arboretum.

Feathery pink fronds against rich purple-bronze leaves jut out from the image

Smoke bush

One of the highlights of early summer at the arboretum is the feathery-flowered Smoke bush (Cotinus 'Grace') and there are two lovely examples in flower now along Waste Drive in Silk Wood.  Many visitors are intrigued by their striking purple-pink flowers and rich purple-bronze leaves.

Sambuccus niger 'Black Lace' 

Another summer superstar is a variety of Elder called Sambuccus niger 'Black Lace'.  It has large clusters of pale pink flowers which contrast with dark frond-like leaves and is located behind the Great Oak Hall.

Delicate pale clusters of small flowers sit against dark purple leaves
A wide open white flower with delicate petals with a spotty yellow centre.

Philadelphus

There are some wonderful examples of the white-flowered shrub Philadelphus across the arboretum at the moment. Their common name is Mock orange due to the sweetly fragrant flowers which resemble orange blossom.