15th February - 13th April
10:00am - 5:00pm

Magnolias in Bloom

Explore one of the UK’s best ‘champion’ magnolia collections on a self-guided walk of Borde Hill.

Borde Hill boasts an exquisite collection of over 180 stunning magnolia varieties. Hailed as a ‘mecca for magnolia lovers,’ the Garden is a horticultural gem that celebrates the vast diversity and beauty of these much-loved trees.

A self-guided Magnolia Trail showcases an array of early-spring specimens, including the regal Magnolia sprengeri var. ‘Diva;the towering 60ft Magnolia campbellii; Magnolia dawsoniana; and Magnolia sargentiana var. robusta. These magnificent trees trace their roots back to the early 1900s when notable Plant Hunters such as EH Wilson, George Forrest and ­others introduced their seedlings into cultivation. Many of Borde Hill’s majestic giants have earned the coveted status of being a ‘champion’ tree, with the tallest height or largest girth within the British Isles.

In 2018, the spectacular Gardiner Grove was established, featuring 50 American and Asiatic magnolia hybrids. This remarkable project, made possible by a generous donation of plants from John Ravenscroft of Cherry Tree Park in Cheshire, was curated with care, under the guidance of former RHS Vice President and member of Borde Hill’s Garden Council, Jim Gardiner. As they explore, visitors can wander along planted tree circles, where genetically similar groups of stunning magnolias are showcased, enabling visitors to appreciate both the similarities and distinctions among these exciting new specimens.

Magnolias are an important part of the Garden’s horticultural legacy, with Gardiner Grove being one of the latest phases in Borde Hill’s ongoing evolution. By exploring the Garden, visitors can witness plantings that span its 130-year history, from TROBI ‘champions’ of the past, to potential ‘champions’ of the future. As Vanessa Berridge aptly titled her recent book on this nationally important Garden, Borde Hill is indeed a “Plant Hunter’s Paradise.”

The historic magnolia collection at Borde Hill includes:

Magnolia sprengeri var diva – Old Rhododendron Garden
Magnolia acuminata – West Garden
Magnolia tripetala – Garden of Allah
Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Brozzonii’– Azalea Ring
Magnolia x soulangeana – Garden of Allah
Magnolia stellata – Italian Garden
Magnolia campbellii ‘Borde Hill’ – Warren Wood
Magnolia kobus – Old Rhododendron Garden
Magnolia delaveyi- Old Playground – champion girth
Magnolia liliflora ‘Susan’ – Old Rhododendron Garden
Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Black Tulip’ – Garden of Allah
Magnolia campbellii – Azalea Ring – champion girth
Magnolia x veitchii – Azalea Ring
Magnolia x soulangeana’ Brozzonii’ – Azalea Ring
Magnolia campbellii var mollicomata–Garden of Allah
Magnolia obovata – Garden of Allah – champion girth
Magnolia fraseri – Garden of Allah – champion girth
Magnolia officinalis-Garden of Allah-champion tree
Magnolia dawsoniana – Old Rhododendron Garden
Magnolia sargentiana robusta – Old Rhododendron Garden
Magnolia grandiflora Goliath – Mansion House

Magnolia sargentiana var. robusta at Borde Hill
Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Brozzonii’. Image John Glover

At A Glance

Date and time

15th February - 13th April
10:00am - 5:00pm

Cost

Included in Garden admission. Free to Members

Important info

Magnolia blooms are weather dependent and our trees do not necessarily flower at the same time – to avoid disappointment, please check in with us before travelling if there is a particular specimen you want to see in flower.

Self-guided Magnolia maps are available when you visit. Groups (15+) can pre-book a guided tour.

Two adults wearing hats at an event at Borde Hill during the summer.

Become a Member

Make the most of the great outdoors and visit time and again by becoming a Member of Borde Hill

Borde Hill Membership is your ticket to enjoy unlimited access to the Garden and Parkland throughout the open season. Our members also receive free entry to a number of exciting events, from live music in the Garden to Specialist Plant Fairs, and much more. Family Membership also provides unlimited access to the Adventure Playground and free school holiday trails.

Discover the Possibilities

A family next to the water feature in the Rose Garden at Borde Hill during summer.

Become a Member

Membership is your ticket to enjoy unlimited access to the Garden, Parkland and Woodland throughout the open season. Our members also receive free entry to a number of exciting events, from live music in the Garden to Specialist Plant Fairs and much more. Family Membership provides unlimited access to the Adventure Playground and free school holiday trails.

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Italian Garden at Borde Hill. Image: Molly Hollman

Our Garden & Grounds

Set within 383 acres of heritage listed Parkland, our formal Garden captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate 'Garden rooms'. Beyond the formal Garden you can explore Woodland walks, the South Park and our lakes with outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.

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A misty atmospheric view of trees in North Park at Borde Hill with cows in the distance.

Support Us

As a small, independent Garden Charity, we rely on your kind generosity to help fund our projects and to continue to grow sustainably, protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. 'Reinventing Borde Hill' is our most ambitious project to date and your support will help us to achieve exciting plans to benefit our local community.

It would make a huge difference if you would consider supporting us by making a donation – thank you.

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