Join us this August at Capel Manor Gardens to experience the beauty and diversity of late summer flora, curated and cared for with passion by our dedicated Gardens Team.
Guelder Rose (Viburnum Opulus)
As we transition from summer to autumn, the Guelder Rose begins to stand out in the Queen Mother Garden. This small tree, typically found in hedgerows and woodlands, blooms large white flowers in summer, followed by bright red berries that provide food for wildlife, including Waxwings from Northern Europe in winter. Its leaves soon turn a brilliant red before falling, leaving clusters of vibrant berries on bare branches.
Persian Silk Tree (Albizia Julibrissin)
In the National Garden Centre (NGC) show gardens, the Persian Silk Tree, or mimosa, is a remarkable sight. Thriving in a sheltered, sunny spot, it is known for its beautiful flowers. Native to various tropical regions, this tree is often grown for ornamental purposes, though it also has uses in traditional medicine and timber production.
Sage (Salvia)
Still blooming in the Mediterranean Garden are the salvias, requiring minimal care and providing a haven for pollinators. Salvias, part of the sage family, showcase nearly a thousand species with delicate purple-blue blooms that continue to dazzle throughout late summer.
Bull-Bay (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Goliath’)
The evergreen variety of Magnolia, known as Bull-Bay, can be spotted by the entrance to the Family Garden and at the front of the Manor House. Its thick, waxy, dark-green leaves frame the huge, fragrant, goblet-shaped flowers of the Goliath variety, making it a particularly impressive feature.
Cardoon (Cynara Cardunculus)
The striking Cardoon, or artichoke thistle, is in full bloom from August to October. Positioned opposite the Princess Diana Rose Garden, it is a Victorian-era favorite, historically grown for both its ornamental appeal and its edible qualities. With imposing flower heads and bright silver leaves, the cardoon adds a dramatic touch to our garden borders.
European Spindle Wood (Euonymus Europaeus)
While exploring the gardens, one of our Friends of Capel Manor Members, Bren, highlighted the European Spindle Wood as her favourite this month. This tree, located opposite the Family Garden in the NGC, is valued not only for its traditional use in making wool spindles but also for its unusual fruit and vibrant fall colours.
Featherleaf (Rodgersia)
In Rochford’s Garden, you’ll find the impressive rodgersia with its giant leaves. Thriving in the consistently moist soil of shaded woodlands or riverbanks, these plants add a lush, prehistoric look to the landscape.
Dahlia
Late summer is the prime time to view dahlias in their full glory. Visit the Temple Lake to see our extensive dahlia beds. With 30 species and over 20,000 cultivars, they were once considered vegetables but are now appreciated for their stunning blooms.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis Radicans)
The vigorous Trumpet Vine climbs up the brickwork of the Walled Garden, showcasing vivid orange and red flowers that continue to bloom into the autumn.
Bladder Senna (Colutea Arborescens)
This unique bush features small, pea-like flowers in the summer, which attract bees, and transforms into distinctive, puffy bladder-shaped seed pods in the fall. While the seeds are toxic, the plant is known for its medicinal properties.
Strawflower (Helichrysum)
Be sure to visit the cut flower bed in the Walled Garden where the strawflower, or everlasting flower, thrives. Known for their ability to retain vibrant colours even when dried, these flowers are a popular choice for dry floral arrangements.
