Arboretum Awarded 'National Plant Collection' Status

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has been awarded its first-ever ‘National Plant Collection’ status by Plant Heritage, recognising its conservation work on the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) and Amelanchier genera.

This designation helps secure the future of these plants and enhances the Arboretum’s standing as a key centre of horticultural excellence and biodiversity.

The Arboretum’s Hamamelis collection has been awarded Full National Plant Collection status, and its Amelanchier collection now holds Provisional status, to allow time to ensure younger plants establish well. The Arboretum will continue to develop the Amelanchier collection with plans to apply for full status within a year.

“It has long been a personal passion and ambition to create a nationally recognised collection of Hamamelis at the Arboretum, injecting some winter colour and providing opportunities for visitors to understand and celebrate these stunning plants,” said Andy Ansell, Head of Estates at the National Memorial Arboretum. “This National Plant Collection status ensures that future generations of visitors will be able to enjoy and learn about this genus in a truly special setting.”

The Arboretum’s Hamamelis collection features over 300 specimens of this beautiful winter-flowering shrub. The vibrant yellow, red, and orange blossoms provide a spectacular display from December through to February, adding colour and interest to the Arboretum's landscape during the colder months.

The Arboretum’s recognition is in part due to the expert guidance of Chris Lane, one of the UK’s foremost horticulturists and cultivator of one of the UK’s three other collections of Hamamelis; Chris supported the Arboretum in developing its collection, supplying many of Arboretum’s examples of Hamamelis. Lane comments, “It’s a privilege to work with the team at the Arboretum on creating a National Plant Collection that showcases the diverse beauty and resilience of Hamamelis. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, added: “The National Memorial Arboretum is a stunning location for this new National Plant Collection of Hamamelis, or witch hazel. By having these plants in a National Plant Collection means they will be looked after carefully by the Arboretum’s team, so that we, and the Arboretum’s hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, can continue to enjoy them in the future."

The journey towards creating these National Plant Collections began in December 2020, with the donation of 15 Hamamelis by leading Derbyshire-based door distributor JB Kind, celebrating their 150th anniversary; each tree represents a decade of the company’s history. Chase Arts for Public Spaces also provided donations to support the continued growth of the collection.

The Arboretum’s Amelanchier collection, currently holding provisional status, is set to expand further in the coming year. This collection was founded with the support of Barratt Developments, after the company funded the creation of a new walkway flanked by 100 Amelanchier trees in 2022. Amelanchier, known for its delicate white blossoms in spring and stunning autumn foliage, is a versatile and resilient genus that adds year-round interest to the landscape.

With this new recognition, the Arboretum continues to develop its role not only as a place of Remembrance but also as a living tribute to nature’s beauty and diversity.