See the UK's eminent collection of lachenalias, plus a fantastic selection of orchids!

Location: Five Arrows Gallery

Our collection

Spearheaded by Nicholas de Rothschild, Exbury's lachenalia exhibition has substantially grown in size over the last few years. Most recently, by the acquisition of the late Bill Squires' National Collection. Also included in the exhibition will be a stunning collection of orchids, grown right here in Exbury's glasshouses. Our plant display will be accompanied by interpreation panels, explaining more about the genus and its history here at Exbury. 

The genus

Sometimes referred to as the Leopard Lily, Lachenalias are bulbous perrennials with upwards of 130 species. They have an exceptionally long flowering season; from October and over the winter months, with some continuing through until May. Those on display in Exbury's exhibition will be at their very best in March, showcasing a compendium of bright oranges, yellows and pinkish-reds.

The inspiration

This Rothschild history of obtaining and propagating rare and unusual plants inspired the lachenalia and orchid collections displayed in this exhibition. Exbury's founder, Lionel de Rothschild, collected a substantial variety of orchids during the 1920s and 1930s. However, due to the circumstances at Exbury during the Second World War, this collection was largely dissipated, and then totally lost after Lionel's death in 1942. Roughly 10 years ago the opportunity arose to build up the orchid collection again and also to insert the South African genus Lachenalia, hitherto unknown to the experts at Exbury, into our rare plant collections. Nicholas de Rothschild (Lionel's grandson) jumped at the chance, and with the help of Groundskeeper Theo and senior gardener Emma, our lachenalia and orchid collections have flourished in recent years.

Free with garden admission or membership.