Our Window on Westonbirt volunteers have explored the arboretum this week to let you know what's looking its best. Keep an eye out for the following seasonal highlights - they're not to be missed! You can also use our Arboretum Explorer to discover more tree locations around the arboretum.
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Alba superba'
New magnolias are in bloom this week, amongst them one of our favourites: 'Alba superba' (Magnolia x soulangeana 'Alba superba'). It's large pure-white flowers are indeed superb and you'll notice them on Main Drive and Willesley Drive.
Rhododendron arboreum
Another dramatic sight is Rhododendron arboreum (Rhododendron arboreum) with masses of large deep pink flowers against dark green leaves. This is sometimes called the Tree rhododendron because, as its name suggests, it grows tall like a tree rather than a shrub. There are lovely specimens in Savill Glade and along the Sand Earth path.
Sargent's cherry
For cherry blossom, look out for the pale pink of Sargent's cherry (Prunus sargentii). Our largest and oldest specimen is on Broad Drive but there are youngsters on Waste Drive and at the far end of Mitchell. It is fragile and short-lived, but for a few days each year it is magnificent.
