Rhododendron Celebration
April - June | Opening times
Live Life in Full Bloom and join us for a celebration of spring, showcasing the beauty of our famous rhododendrons.
The gardens, brimming with vibrant hues and distinctive charm year-round, come alive in spring, showcasing one of the United Kingdom's most expansive and remarkable collections of rhododendrons.
Delight in the sensory experience as you explore, learn, and embark on our spring trails discovering our enchanting award-winning Rhododendron collection in the height of spring and at their finest, collected from around the world as well propagated within our own gardens for over 200 years.
From family-friendly activities to spring themed workshops, there's something for everyone as we celebrate our rhododendrons.
Free with garden entry and for Leonardslee members| Free parking for Leonardslee members | Parking information
At the heart of the festival lies our renowned Rhododendrons that were awarded National Plant Collection status by Plant Heritage.
Throughout the festival visitors can pick up a free trail to explore where they can spot these award-winning Rhododendrons along the way.
Featuring 42 distinct hybrids, with 32 under threat in cultivation and 17 exclusive to our gardens with National Plant Collection status. The dedication to Sir Edmund Loder’s vision is evident in this extensive collection.
Keep an eye out for the rhododendrons in the collection by spotting their plaques as you explore.
2023 Award Winners | RHS Wisley Spring Show
Rhododendron ‘Muriel’, Class 35 - 1st Prize
Sir Edmund Loder created this striking plant by crossing Rh. falconeri and Rh. grande, resulting in a ‘big-leaf’ Rhododendron with impressive foliage and huge dense trusses of cream flowers adorned with a purple blotch in the centre.
Rhododendron argipeplum, Class 29 - 1st Prize
Rhododendron schlippenbachii ‘Prince Charming’- 1st Prize
This deciduous shrub is an extremely rare and endangered form of Rh. schlippenbachii, which was discovered naturally in this garden and carefully selected by Sir Giles Loder in 1965.
Plant Heritage Threatened Plant of the Year
Rhododendron ‘The Dowager’ - People’s Choice Award
Raised by Lady Loder from an unusual cross between Rh. arboreum and Rh. ‘Muriel’ (also a Leonardslee hybrid), it was also named after her. This is our only specimen of this endangered plant.
Flowering in early spring, the tips of the shoots are topped by rounded tight trusses of pale orchid-pink bloos, whiter at the edges and with some speckling.
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate nature's masterpiece in full bloom. Join talks, tours, and other events and view our rare and expansive collection of rhododendrons throughout the gardens.
SPRING EVENTS
SPRING WALKS
24 April & 22 May
Join our Head Gardener, Jamie Harris, on a walk to discover more about what makes this garden so unique. Covering many species of Rhododendron found in The National Plant Collection.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
27 April
Grab your digital camera or camera phone and learn more about artistic composition in this photography workshop as our gardens come alive this spring.
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION
30 April
Learn how to draw and illustrate a unique piece of botanical art from start to finish with Leigh Ann Gale. This workshop is suitable for all abilities with plenty of guidance.
ROCK GARDEN TOURS
7 & 21 May
Join us for a detailed tour of the 130-year-old rock garden during its peak season of interest. Led by the rock garden manager, the tour will look closely at the many special plants that are grown.
RHODODENDRON WALKS
16 & 29 May
Explore the history of the Leonardslee Rhododendron collection, as our gardening team takes you to discover many varieties and unusual species that have been planted over the last two centuries.
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S GARDENING WEEK
25 May – 2 June
Learn how to grow your own sunflower or runner beans to take home. Our planting station will show you a step-by-step guide on how to sow a seed and look after it until you have your very own plant!