Have a green thumb like Charles?
To celebrate the King’s Coronation, RHS Chelsea’s royal gardener Dave Green shares some of our nature-loving monarch’s favourite plants.
From varieties of magnolia and hydrangea to two specifically-grown for the coronation, there are some he holds close to his heart.
Below are 10 of King Charles’ favourites…
1. Delphinium ‘Mighty Atom’
Widely known as King Charles’ favourite plant, these blooms are prominent in all of the King’s gardens.
Purple and dark blue are his preferred colours and this variety has cascades of deep purple flowers on tall stems which grow to two metres high and provide a magnificent display in June/July.
Each stunning stem boasts about 30 golf ball-size blooms. Best grown in borders, in full sun and sheltered from the wind.
2. Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group
Google Highgrove and you see thousands of Camassia in the wild flower meadow which frames the view to the house – it looks truly spectacular at this time of year.
Bulbs are planted in autumn and bloom in May with little star-shaped bursts of blue that sparkle in a grassy setting for just two weeks. Not fans of too much moisture and grow well in full sun or light shade.
Coronation of King Charles III latest
The historic Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will take place in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
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For all the latest royal updates, visit Metro.co.uk’s dedicated coronation page.
3. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’
This dramatic plant is heavily featured at the Sandringham Estate and has show-stopping mop-head shaped blooms in the middle of summer.
The display is either pink, blue or white flowers depending on the soil they’re planted in: acidic soil will produce blue flowers, in an alkaline soil they are pink.
4. Magnolia ‘Heaven Scent’ at Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire
This small tree with scented pale pink flowers is grown in the grounds of Highgrove – but is also perfect for a small urban garden.
King Charles is a huge fan of tree planting in gardens as this is one of the most beneficial things we can all do for the environment.
5. Aesculus indica – Indian Horse Chestnut Tree
This stunning tree, which can be found in the grounds of Highgrove grows up to 20-metres tall so needs a large space to flourish.
It displays pink flowers on a stem in May and June and leaves bear a bronze colour when they first emerge.
6. Geranium psilostemon – American Cranesbill
The King has these impressive plants in both Highgrove and Sandringham where they show off tons of vivid magenta flowers throughout June and July.
A large hardy plant that grows to knee-height, but requires little maintenance.
7. Cornus kousa Norman Hadden – Chinese Dogwood
This large shrub is one of the most beautiful you can have in the garden.
In the early summer the flowers are tiny and surrounded by stunning white leaves, like a Poinsettia. Great for attracting pollinators in the garden.
8. Duchess of Cornwall – Clematis
Named after his wife, Camilla, this is a striking clematis bearing cascades of violet blue saucer shaped flowers with a yellow centre in May.
It is great for small gardens, patios or balconies.
9. King Charles Coronation Rose
Grown especially for Charles’ ascension to the throne, this beautifully fragrant floribunda rose produces wave upon wave of striking clusters of medium-sized, double, baby pink blooms that contrast effortlessly against the bushy dark-green, glossy foliage.
One of the easiest types of rose to grow and perfect for containers.
10. Aeonium ‘Coronation’ from Ottershaw
This statement succulent is a new variety from Ottershaw Cacti. It’s a tall growing, statuesque Aeonium with large heads of a coppery dark purple colour.
The plant has leaves within the head that turn upright and appear to give it the appearance of wearing a crown.
See Dave Green’s RHS Garden of Royal Reflection & Celebration at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, May 23-27, rhs.org.uk/shows-events
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