The Enduring Rhododendrons of Highbury

Although Joseph Chamberlain is often remembered for his famous collection of orchids, it is the rhododendrons at Highbury that now provide the most enduring reminder of his interest in striking and unusual plants. While his orchids disappeared soon after his death in 1914 and the glasshouses were lost by 1922, many of the rhododendrons he planted continue to flourish across the estate.

A report in The Gardeners’ Magazine of 1903 described “extensive plantings” of rhododendrons throughout the grounds, with “the finest named forms filling large irregular beds” on the eastern slopes above a small pond. Unfortunately, the specific varieties were never recorded, and even the extensive Chamberlain family archive at the University of Birmingham contains no planting lists or garden plans. Early photographs reveal fine displays but little to help identify the plants themselves.

To safeguard and understand this part of Highbury’s heritage, the Chamberlain Highbury Trust commissioned a survey in 2018 by Michael and Beverley Lear of Lear Associates, Oxford. Their study recorded over one hundred rhododendrons growing in six areas of the garden. Identification of these plants requires specialist horticultural knowledge, particularly of leaf form, flower, and growth habit, expertise which the Lears have developed over decades.

The survey also uncovered intriguing historical details. During his years as Colonial Secretary, Chamberlain received two consignments of rhododendrons from Kew Gardens. The first, in 1899, included R. decorum, examples of which still stand by the entrance drive. A later consignment in 1904 contained eleven hybrids, all now lost, possibly due to unsuitable soil conditions that prompted costly replanting works in the early 1900s.

Two heart-shaped beds designed by landscape architect Edward Milner in 1879 are among the most distinctive features of Highbury’s layout. These were planted exclusively with rhododendrons such as ‘Sir Isaac Newton’, ‘Sappho’, ‘Lucidum’, and ‘Madam Carvalho’. Many remain, though the dense root growth now threatens their health. Plans have been suggested to propagate these historic plants and reinstate lost beds shown in early photographs.

Around the lake, the original plantings of R. ponticum and early hybrids like ‘Cunningham’s White’ and R. catawbiense‘Boursault’ remain in good condition, concealing the dam banks with evergreen foliage. The western gardens, now part of the public park, contain later additions including ‘Lady Bessborough’ (1933) and the ever-popular ‘Pink Pearl’ (1897).

As restoration work begins, these gorgeous plants may once again enliven the slopes and borders of Highbury, continuing a living link to Joseph Chamberlain’s horticultural legacy.