National Tree Week 2019

We celebrated National Tree Week by showcasing some of Heligan’s most prized trees. From the Rhododendron Arboreum to the Podocarpus Totara, each tree holds special value to both the Heligan Team and the history of Heligan. It was difficult to choose just seven, we could have featured all of our trees, but here is a round-up of the few that we whittled it down to:

Saturday - Wibbly Wobbly Oak

Did you know that Oak trees support more biodiversity than any other native tree? For example, the tree sap attracts aphids, beetles and Red Admiral butterflies, which provide valuable food sources for birds such as Blue Tits. The acorns that fall from the tree are also eaten by deer and badgers. This tree is the perfect habitat for lots of wildlife due to the secret, cosy holes in the timber.

You can find our Oak tree in the Lost Valley.

Sunday - Sequoiadendron Giganteum

These incredible trees are known to be the largest life form on earth. They can live up to 3500 years and grow to over 300ft. We have a few in The Jungle that are really striking, so next time you’re visiting, don’t forget to look up!

Monday - Araucaria Araucana

We have four specimens of Araucaria Araucana high on the skyline in the jungle, all reaching around a huge 50 ft. We believe they were planted after the Great Freeze of April 1891 as any young plant probably would have been killed at that time.

Tuesday - Davidia Involucrata

This tree is nestled in the Sundial Garden and produces the most beautiful clusters of elegant, white flowers around May time. In full bloom, the tree looks as though it is covered in draped handkerchiefs, hence the more popular name of The Pocket Handkerchief Tree.

Wednesday - Magnolia Cambellii

Every winter the tree bursts to life with candyfloss coloured flowers covering the entire silhouette. It’s a showstopper and certainly a favourite with our visitors.

Thursday - Podocarpus Totara

It is thought that our specimen here at Heligan is the largest of the species in the UK. The position this tree sits in overlooking Second Pond is spectacular.

Friday - Rhododendron Arboreum

The auburn branches weave amongst many parts of The Gardens, but most notably, the southside of Flora’s Green can be seen to be laced with fuchsia pink flowers in the spring. The first Rhododendrons arrived at Heligan in the 1850s and we are proud to still be watching them brighten up The Gardens every year.