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Exbury wins National Collection status for colourful trees

Exbury Gardens has become National Collection holder for two of the world’s most colourful types of tree.

The magnificent Nyssa and Oxydendrum trees growing in the 200-acre New Forest Gardens have been awarded NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation and Protection of Gardens) National Collection status.

Head gardener John Anderson, an acknowledged expert on woodland trees, is delighted.
“There are several species of Nyssa and many cultivars and just one species of Oxydendrum. What these two types of tree have in common is their outstanding autumn colour. Nyssa leaves turn all shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn, while Oxydendrums become a flaming scarlet. Visitors to Exbury will really enjoy them this year because autumn seems to be arriving early,” he said.

Often called ‘Tupelo’ trees, most Nyssas come from north America, although there is a species, also growing at Exbury, from China. The ‘Black Tupelo’ or Nyssa sylvatica has many cultivars, including ‘Autumn Cascades’, ‘Jermyn’s Flame’, ‘Miss Scarlet’, ‘Sheffield Park’, ‘Windsor’ and ‘Wisley Bonfire’, all of which can be seen in glorious autumn leaf colour at Exbury.

The Oxydendrum, sometimes called ‘Sorrel Tree’ or ‘Sourwood’, bears clusters of white flowers in late summer which still cling to the tree as the leaves change colour.

“We have a unique collection of these trees which make a magnificent picture,” said John. “I’m delighted that, as NCCPG National Collection holders, we have become guardians of them and we can let all our visitors enjoy them too.”