National Collections

Exbury Gardens is a National Collection holder for two of the world’s most colourful types of tree.

The magnificent Nyssa and Oxydendrum trees were awarded NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation and Protection of Gardens) National Collection status in 2007.

Head Gardener John Anderson, an acknowledged expert on woodland trees was is delighted with the award status:

“There are ten species of Nyssa and many cultivars and just one species of Oxydendrum. What these two types of tree have in common is their outstanding autumn colour. Nyssa leaves turn all shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn, while Oxydendrums become a flaming scarlet.”

Often called ‘Tupelo’ most Nyssas come from north America, although there is a species, also growing at Exbury, from China. The ‘Black Tupelo’ or Nyssa sylvatica has many cultivars, including ‘Autumn Cascade’, ‘Jermyn’s Flame’, ‘Miss Scarlet’, ‘Sheffield Park’, ‘Valley Scorcher’ and ‘Wisley Bonfire’, all of which can be seen in glorious autumn leaf colour at Exbury.

The Oxydendrum, sometimes called ‘Sorrel Tree’ or ‘Sourwood’ bears clusters of white flowers in late summer which still cling to the tree as the leaves change colour.